A suicide bombing near Karachi airport in Pakistan has resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and left at least ten others injured. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, is believed to have targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a power project in Sindh province.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting Chinese personnel involved in development projects, has claimed responsibility for the attack. In their statement, the militant group said they specifically aimed at a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors arriving from Karachi airport. They later identified the attacker as Shah Fahad, a member of their Majeed Brigade, and described the incident as a suicide attack executed with a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device."
The explosion occurred around 11 PM, causing widespread alarm, with reports of the blast heard across various parts of the city. Following the attack, the roads leading to Jinnah International Airport were sealed off, although airport operations continued normally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as a "heinous act" and expressed his condolences to the Chinese people, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to protecting its Chinese friends.
In light of the incident, security measures have been heightened across Pakistan as the country prepares to host a leaders' summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).