The Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed that two Chinese nationals were killed and one was injured in an attack near Karachi airport on Sunday night.
In a statement, it was reported that a convoy of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan’s southern Sindh province.
The statement said, “The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this act, express deep condolences to the victims of both countries and extend heartfelt sympathies to the injured and their families.” It further stated that the Chinese side is working with Pakistan, which is making every effort to deal with the situation following the incident.
The embassy also noted that Chinese missions in Pakistan have promptly initiated emergency response measures and urged Pakistan to spare no effort in treating the injured, conducting a thorough investigation of the attack, and bringing those responsible to justice.
The embassy emphasized that Pakistan must simultaneously take practical and effective steps to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in the country. The statement urged Chinese nationals and companies in Pakistan to remain vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, enhance security measures, and make every effort to adopt precautionary measures.
The Chinese Consulate has stated that they are working with Pakistani authorities to devise a plan of action. The consulate also mentioned that they have immediately launched an emergency plan in response to the situation.
Including Chinese nationals, several Pakistani military and police officials were also reportedly killed and injured in the attack.
The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in a statement. BLA also released a photograph of the attacker, stating that on October 6, 2024, the suicide attack was carried out by Shah Fahad alias Aftab, a member of BLA’s Majeed Brigade, on a high-security convoy of Chinese investors, engineers, and Pakistani military personnel in Karachi.
According to recent reports, the number of deceased Chinese nationals later increased to three. The identities of the three Chinese nationals have been confirmed by police. They have been identified as Li Jun, Wo Chun Zhen, and Li Zhao.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday released a statement saying that the “terror attack will not go unpunished”. It further stated that “Pakistan and China are close partners and iron brothers, united by a bond of mutual respect and shared destiny. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and will continue to work hand in hand with our Chinese brothers to defeat the forces of terror.”