The identities of the three Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the explosion near Karachi Airport on Sunday have been confirmed. The blast also resulted in injuries to at least 17 individuals.
The deceased have been identified as Li Jun, Wu Chun Zhin, and Li Zhiao.
The explosion occurred on the road connecting the airport to Model Colony, and its intensity was so great that it was audible in areas such as Defense, Karimabad, and Jamshed Road.
According to the Chinese Embassy, the nationals were part of a convoy traveling from Port Qasim.
The initial explosion set off an oil tanker, leading to several nearby vehicles catching fire. Two police vehicles were also damaged in the incident. The fire spread to surrounding trees, filling the area with smoke. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that airport facilities remain unaffected. A bomb disposal squad has been deployed to the site to collect evidence.
Shockwaves from the blast were felt several kilometers away in Defense and Gulshan-e-Hadeed, accompanied by a large cloud of smoke billowing from the oil tanker near the airport.
Police reports indicate that the fire destroyed four rickshaws, three cars, and a jeep. All access roads to the airport have been temporarily closed. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showcasing the magnitude of the explosion.
Sindh Interior Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar has declared the incident a terrorist attack aimed at a vehicle carrying foreign nationals. He noted that the blast occurred just after the vehicle with the foreign nationals had passed. While initial investigations suggest the use of an improvised explosive device (IED), inquiries are ongoing.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and has requested a report from the Interior Minister and the Inspector General of Police. He has instructed the police to ensure access to and from the airport while conducting a comprehensive investigation into all facets of the incident.
New Insights into the Investigation
Recent developments in the investigation regarding the attack on the foreign convoy near Karachi Airport have uncovered significant information.
Sources indicate that a small car was employed in the attack. Authorities are currently working to ascertain the vehicle’s license plate, engine number, and chassis number.
Investigators believe that the car, driven by a suspected suicide bomber, waited for the convoy to pass before deliberately crashing into the vehicle carrying the foreign nationals. It is suspected that the car contained a large quantity of explosives, which resulted in its total destruction.
Following the explosion, efforts were made to reverse one of the foreign vehicles to safety. However, the extensive explosives used caused significant damage to several vehicles.
Investigative sources are currently gathering details regarding the affected vehicles.
Pakistan Vows Justice for Attackers
On Monday, Pakistan strongly condemned the heinous terrorist act near Karachi Airport that occurred on Sunday night, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers and injuries to another. The government assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“This abhorrent act of terrorism not only targets Pakistan but also jeopardizes the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade, face justice,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement.
She added that Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies would leave no stone unturned in capturing the attackers and their accomplices.
“This barbaric act will not go unpunished,” she emphasized.
The spokesperson extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
She noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close coordination with the Chinese Embassy to facilitate communication.
Baloch reaffirmed the close partnership between Pakistan and China, emphasizing their bond of mutual respect and shared destiny.
“Pakistan remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions within its borders, and will continue to collaborate with our Chinese partners to combat terrorism,” she reiterated.
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