A suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese nationals outside Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport late Sunday night has left two Chinese workers dead and eight others injured, including police officers, officials confirmed Monday. The attack, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has raised serious concerns about security in the country, particularly ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, The Associated Press reports.
The BLA, a separatist group primarily operating in Balochistan province, said the bombing was carried out by one of their suicide bombers targeting Chinese engineers and investors leaving the airport. The attack comes amidst heightened tensions between Pakistan and the separatist group, who have accused the Pakistani government of collaborating with China in exploiting the region’s resources.
The targeted convoy comprised employees of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a joint China-Pakistan venture. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the deaths and injuries of their nationals, while also acknowledging Pakistani casualties.
Pakistani authorities have faced criticism over their handling of the incident, initially reporting the explosion as a potential oil tanker accident before confirming it as a bomb attack. Security protocols have also been questioned, with officials revealing that while a police bomb disposal unit had cleared the road prior to the convoy’s movement, it was not completely blocked to minimize inconvenience to residents and travelers.
The incident has highlighted the growing threat posed by the BLA, which has been increasingly targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects in Pakistan, part of China’s multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative. The attack also underscores the security challenges facing Pakistan as it prepares to host the SCO summit.
Counterterrorism officials are currently investigating how the bomber infiltrated the airport’s security perimeter, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of security measures at Pakistan’s largest airport.
