After an explosion outside Karachi airport killed its two citizens, China on Monday condemned the incident, calling it a “terrorist attack” while demanding strict punishment for the perpetrators. The attack also injured nearly 10 people, including four airport security guards.
“The Embassy and Consulates General of China in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack (and) express its deepest condolences to the innocent victims of both countries,” the statement said.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan stated that a convoy carrying Chinese personnel of Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited had been attacked at around 11 pm, killing two Chinese and injuring another. He said there were also Pakistani victims.
The Chinese statement called the explosion a “terrorist attack” and said China is working with Pakistan to manage the fallout. Meanwhile, he has called for a thorough investigation to punish the perpetrators. China also advised its citizens currently residing in Pakistan to take safety precautions.
The Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for the attack
In a statement emailed to the media, the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that the explosion was an attack carried out by them using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device against Chinese citizens, including engineers.
In particular, the BLA seeks the independence of the province of Baluchistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran. In August it launched coordinated attacks in the province, in which more than 70 people died.
It is worth mentioning that the BLA specifically attacks Chinese interests, particularly the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, accusing Beijing of helping Islamabad exploit the province. BLA killed Chinese nationals in the region and previously attacked Beijing’s consulate in Karachi.
(With contributions from agencies)
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