A tragic explosion near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night claimed the lives of two Chinese workers and left several others injured. The blast, which police suspect was caused by an oil tanker explosion, has reignited fears over the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in various infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
1 Chinese and 10 others killed in boom blast Karachi Airport by Indian-backed terrorist organisation. #Karachi #PPPfailed #PPPDigitalEast shame on you @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/n3q460mf3v
— Samad Shamshad Mirza (@Samaddeeas) October 6, 2024The Incident
The explosion occurred around 11 p.m., as a convoy carrying staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted. Video footage from the scene captured the harrowing moment as flames engulfed vehicles and thick smoke billowed into the night sky. Eyewitness Rahat Hussain, who works in the civil aviation department, reported that the blast was so powerful it shook the airport’s buildings.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed the fatalities and stated that one additional Chinese worker was injured, along with several Pakistani casualties. The incident drew a swift response from law enforcement, with heavy military presence deployed to secure the area and investigate the cause of the explosion.
A History of Targeted Violence
This latest attack is part of a troubling trend of violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Thousands of Chinese workers are currently in the country, many contributing to the multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance infrastructure and trade routes. However, the increasing frequency of attacks has raised concerns over their safety.
In August, a wave of violence in nearby Balochistan province resulted in the deaths of more than 50 individuals, an incident Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attributed to attempts to undermine Chinese-funded development projects. Balochistan is home to a separatist insurgency that has long accused the federal government of exploiting its resources without benefiting local communities.
The Claim of Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack outside the airport, labeling it a suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors. This incident echoes previous attacks, including a suicide blast earlier this year that killed five Chinese engineers near the Dasu Dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project.
Pakistani security officials are investigating the background of the bomber and the circumstances surrounding the attack. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the violence, expressing condolences to the Chinese leadership and assuring that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding Chinese citizens and projects in the country.
⚡️Breaking: The fidai unit of Majeed Brigade of Baloch Liberation Army takes responsibility for suicide attack on Chinese at #Karachi Airport. Jeeyand Baloch of BLA said that multiple Chinese have been killed along with their security personnel in the SVBIED bombing. #Pakistan https://t.co/BiNkALLTFM
— Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) October 6, 2024The Broader Context
Pakistan’s relationship with China has always been strategically significant, particularly within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Launched in 2015, this flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative has seen tens of billions of dollars invested in infrastructure linking China’s western Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar port. However, the influx of foreign investment has not been without controversy. Local resentment has grown among communities that feel they are not reaping the benefits of these developments.
The BLA, which claimed responsibility for the recent attack, has previously targeted Chinese interests, asserting that their activities exploit local resources while neglecting the needs of the people. This sentiment has intensified in Balochistan, where several separatist groups operate, demanding greater autonomy and rights over local resources.
Calls for Enhanced Security
In the aftermath of the attack, the Chinese Embassy issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for a thorough investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable. They urged Pakistani authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and investments in Pakistan. The embassy’s reaction underscores the urgency for enhanced security measures for foreign nationals in the region.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on the incident, as it coincides with the conclusion of a weeklong national holiday in China. The recent escalation in violence poses significant challenges for Pakistan, especially as it prepares to host a meeting of heads of government from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a security grouping that includes China and Russia.
The explosion outside Karachi airport highlights the persistent dangers faced by foreign workers in Pakistan, particularly those from China involved in vital infrastructure projects. As the country grapples with internal security challenges, the relationship with China remains crucial for economic growth and development. However, the ongoing violence underscores the need for greater protective measures to ensure the safety of all workers and to foster a more stable environment for investment and development.
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