KARACHI: A massive blast near Karachi airport shook the airport building at mid night taking lives of a driver of foreigners who were about to be escorted from the airport to the city. Local sources share the number of casualties are two. At 11.35 PM the blast was aimed at the convoy of the foreigners from a friendly country , most probably China, but not confirmed by the authorized officials.
The terrorists organization Balochistan Liberation Army BLA has claimed responsibility of the blast in which a vehicle full of explosive material has been struck against an oil tanker that ignited huge fire around engulfing many cars and rikshaws around.
Provincial Minister Interior Mr. Zia Lanjjar has confirmed that two delegations of foreigner were to be escorted from the airport when the blast occurred.10 vehicles including 2 police vehicles caught fire after the blast. 9 persons are injured who have been referred to nearby hospitals.
An official from the interior ministry of Sindh later confirmed to Associated Press that the target of the terrorists were Chinese citizens. He shared that one Chinese is injured. He requested not to mention his name as he is not authorized to release the information.
Emergency has been declared at Karachi Airport. Rangers and security personnel have cordoned off the airport and taking precautionary measures.
All the officials were reluctant to comment on the nature of the blast as it was just a blast in an oil tanker or it was terrorists attack. Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar told media that it seemed like it was an oil tanker explosion. The home minister and inspector general also visited the blast site, but they did not talk to the press.
Xinhua adds later ;
Chinese, Pakistani nationals killed, injured in terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Karachi
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-10-07 08:57:00
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) — Two Chinese nationals were killed, one Chinese national injured, and several Pakistani nationals were killed and injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday night, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed.
The attack happened at about 11:00 p.m. local time on Sunday (1800 GMT) when a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked by terrorists near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
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“The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences to the victims of the two countries, and extend sincere condolences to the injured and their relatives,” the statement said, adding that the Chinese side has been working with the Pakistani side to do their best to deal with the aftermath of the incident.
The Chinese missions in Pakistan have initiated emergency response work as soon as possible, requiring Pakistan to do its best to treat the injured, conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, and severely punish the perpetrators, the statement said.
The embassy stressed that practical and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan should be taken by the Pakistani side at the same time.
“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions,” said the statement.
The banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack near Karachi airport last night, which claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers while injuring another. We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.
This deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade.
Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies will spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and their facilitators. This barbaric act will not go unpunished.
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