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A devastating explosion rocked the vicinity of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night, claiming the lives of three individuals, including two Chinese nationals. The incident sent shockwaves through the city, leaving at least 11 others injured and prompting a flurry of investigations and condemnations. While authorities struggled to definitively establish the cause of the blast, conflicting accounts pointed towards either an improvised explosive device (IED) or a collision between a vehicle and an oil tanker as potential triggers.
The explosion's impact was felt throughout Karachi, with residents as far away as Clifton reporting hearing the deafening blast. Footage from the scene depicted several vehicles engulfed in flames, highlighting the intensity of the detonation. The Pakistani authorities, including the Bomb Disposal Squad, immediately launched an investigation to determine the precise nature of the blast. Meanwhile, the outlawed Majeed Brigade, a faction of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. However, this claim could not be independently verified.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed the deaths of two Chinese nationals and an injury to another in the attack. The embassy identified the victims as employees of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited, who were traveling in a convoy near the airport when they were targeted. The embassy strongly condemned the “terrorist attack”, expressing deep condolences to the victims and their families. They called on Pakistan to thoroughly investigate the incident, punish the perpetrators, and enhance security measures to protect Chinese citizens and interests in Pakistan.
The aftermath of the explosion saw immediate security measures implemented. The Airport Security Force sealed off the airport's entry and exit points and cordoned off the affected area. Traffic was disrupted, with authorities diverting vehicles coming from the airport to alternate routes. However, flights from Karachi continued as usual, with the Civil Aviation Authority stating that investigations into the cause of the blast were ongoing. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, expressing grief over the deaths of the Chinese nationals and emphasizing the importance of Pak-China friendship. He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, denouncing their attempt to damage the close ties between the two countries.
Source: 2 Chinese nationals among 3 dead in massive blast near Karachi airport