The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has confirmed that two of its citizens were killed and a third injured after their convoy was attacked near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. The attack, which took place around 11pm on Sunday, targeted Chinese employees of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
In addition to the casualties, the explosion injured at least 10 people and damaged 10 vehicles, with four being completely destroyed. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist group that seeks independence for Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group used an improvised explosive device (IED) in the assault, continuing its campaign against Chinese interests in Pakistan. The BLA has previously targeted Chinese workers and projects, particularly the strategic port of Gwadar.
The Chinese Embassy strongly condemned the “terrorist attack” and urged Pakistan to investigate thoroughly, bring the perpetrators to justice, and take measures to protect Chinese citizens and projects. The embassy also issued a statement advising its nationals and companies to remain vigilant and enhance security.
This incident adds to a series of attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, including an assault on Chinese engineers near the Dasu hydropower project in March, and another deadly attack in 2021. The BLA has also previously attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
The growing attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan come amid the broader insurgency in Balochistan, where groups like the BLA accuse Beijing of exploiting local resources through projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The attack occurred as Pakistan prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in two weeks, raising concerns about the security of international delegations attending the event.
