The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan on Saturday condemned a terrorist attack near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which killed at least three people including Chinese nationals, and left 17 others injured on 6 October.
Geo News reported that the blast took place last night near the airport. According to Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, Home Minister for Sindh province, a suspected IED had targeted a convoy carrying Chinese nationals. The investigation has begun, he said, adding that police are also looking into the incident through CCTV footage.
Later, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan also confirmed that the attack in Karachi occurred around 11 PM Sunday. It was targeted against a convoy of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company when it was passing near Karachi airport. The embassy showed extreme condemnation of the terrorist acts and conveyed condolences to the victims and their families. The Embassy said further that it has activated the Chinese Embassy’s emergency response plan. And is working in close coordination with the Pakistani side to properly handle the situation.
A banned separatist group, the BLA, claimed the attack in a statement released on social media. A claim that is not officially confirmed by the Pakistani authorities.
The Chinese Embassy called upon Pakistan for an active all-round investigation into the incident and severe punishment for those responsible. It further urged the strengthening of safety measures by the local authorities to safeguard Chinese citizens, businesses, and projects in Pakistan. The Embassy has asked Chinese citizens to pay close attention to the situation, take every possible measure. And strengthen security precautions in light of the recent attack.
The blast occurred near an oil tanker, and a heavy explosion with heavy smoke engulfed the area. Police said that the blast damaged at least 10 vehicles, and some of them caught fire. The ‘Dawn’ reported that doctors took four of the injured, including one with critical injuries, to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College for treatment.
The Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, has directed the SSP Malir to give a detailed report about this incident. SSP Malir confirmed the explosion, adding that it happened near the Airport Traffic Signal.
This attack has brought extra security concerns to the region. While the government is trying to trace and avoid further incidents.
ANI
