Another attack

A Chinese-Pakistani dual national was killed and two others injured when an armed assailant opened fire at them in their private clinic in Karachi’s busy neighbourhood of Saddar. One of the injured has been running the clinic for the past 40 years. According to the police, the perpetrator entered the private clinic as a patient and opened fire some 15-20 minutes later. He then successfully fled from the scene with the help of an accomplice on a motorbike nearby.

While the police are investigating the case, these acts are directly or indirectly meant for denting the Pakistan-China relations. The incident is not a random act but instead a targeted attempt, which prima facie points to either a case of extortion or terrorism. These attacks are made easier, considering the recent surge in street crimes, and add to  the city’s deteriorating law and order situation. Ever since CPEC, the PakistanChina ties have been bolstered.

Therefore, hate mongers and enemies of the state are busy in creating rumours about Chinese nationals to perpetuate an aura of discomfort among the masses, which leads to acts of violence and killing. Then there are blatant acts of terrorism not only by militant groups but also by our hostile neighbours and Baloch separatists who aim to create a rift between the two tightly-knit countries for their own personal vendettas.

While no party has yet claimed responsibility, such incidents should be strictly curtailed by LEAs as they can go a long way in deterring Chinese nationals from investing in the country. Those that are critical of Pakistan-China relationship must realise that China has helped us through thick and thin without any strings attached. The incident is a clear indication of the fact that security forces must be vigilant to stop such security threats from taking place in the future.