Karachi airport explosion targeting Chinese nationals confirmed as suicide attack
An initial report into the recent bombing near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport confirmed that the attack was a suicide bombing, involving 70 to 80 kg of explosives, according to Express News.
The explosion, which targeted a convoy of Chinese nationals near the airport’s departure signal, left a trail of destruction, damaging 12 vehicles and completely destroying three.
The bomb disposal squad’s findings revealed that the attacker waited for the convoy’s arrival before ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into the target.
The attack occurred at a signal near the airport, raising concerns over security for foreign delegations.
Authorities are treating this as a deliberate attempt to target Chinese nationals, given the ongoing collaborations between Pakistan and China on several projects.
Investigators identified the vehicle’s owner as Shah Fahad, a resident of Nushki, Balochistan.
Authorities have expanded their investigation to the region and are reviewing data linked to Fahad’s identification and phone records.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has revisited the bombing site to gather further evidence, with daylight aiding the investigation.
Chinese official visits bombing site
A senior Chinese official, accompanied by Karachi police officers, visited the site of the suicide bombing near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport that killed several Chinese nationals.
The delegation was briefed on the investigation's progress and shown the collected evidence, as reported by Express news.
Authorities have widened the investigation, examining records and mobile data linked to the suspect.
The Chinese official expressed concern over the loss of life and stressed the importance of swift justice.
Pakistani officials reassured their commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens working in the country and bringing those responsible to justice.
Chinese embassy condemns 'terrorist attack'
Earlier today, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the bombing that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
In its statement, the embassy called the explosion a "terrorist attack" targeting a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
The embassy expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims from both countries and demanded swift justice.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the victims' families.
The ministry reiterated Pakistan's commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.
The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated that security agencies would spare no effort in apprehending those responsible, including the involvement of the Majeed Brigade in the attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the bombing, labelling the attackers as enemies of the state.
He assured Chinese leadership that Pakistan prioritised the safety of all Chinese nationals working in the country, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong partnership with China and its dedication to combating terrorism.