2 Chinese nationals dead in bomb blast near Karachi airport, Baloch Liberation Army takes responsibility

Two Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion near Karachi’s international airport on Sunday night, which the Chinese embassy in Pakistan called a ‘terrorist attack’, Reuters reported.

The separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted Chinese nationals, including engineers, using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, the report said.

The Chinese embassy condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families, noting that the convoy from Port Qasim Electric Power Company was the target. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that another Chinese national was injured and assured that an investigation was underway, pledging to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan province, has previously targeted Chinese interests, including attacks on the Gwadar port and Chinese workers in the region. The group has accused China of exploiting Balochistan through its investments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sunday’s blast, which also injured at least 10 others, comes as Pakistan prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with high-level Chinese and Indian representation expected.