New Delhi: At least two Chinese nationals were killed, and 10 others were injured in a massive explosion near Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan’s Karachi on Sunday. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said that the incident happened at 11 pm (local time) when a tanker exploded outside Jinnah International Airport.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the injured and their families during this difficult time,” the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said in a statement.
“We urge the Pakistani authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects operating in Pakistan,” the embassy added. After the incident, the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the “suicide bombing” that had “targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors” arriving from Karachi airport.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, speaking to Geo News, said that the explosion was caused by a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), in which one foreigner was also injured.
According to local media reports, residents across the city heard the blast and could see plumes of smoke billowing from the area. People injured in the blast have been shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, India Today reported.
Television footage showed smoke rising from the area, with a large fire visible on a road near the blast site. The explosion was reportedly heard in different parts of the city, including North Nazimabad, and Karimabad. The fire that sparked from the blast spread as a few vehicles were set ablaze near the airport. The explosion occurred on the road leading out of the airport, as reported by another journalist at the scene.
Karachi: A convoy of Chinese Investors and engineers escorted under heavy security has been BLOWN UP near International Airport. Several security vehicles also caught fire. Casualties feared.
BLA’s ‘Majeed Brigade’ takes responsibility for the Suicide bombing attack. pic.twitter.com/QEcjWU2JeM
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