Separatist Group Strikes Pakistan Airport, 2 Killed, 8 Hurt

Separatists Bomb Pakistan Airport

“We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack...”

Pakistan's Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a deadly bombing near Karachi airport, targeting Chinese nationals.

A tragic incident occurred in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday, October 6, when a convoy carrying Chinese nationals was attacked. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad confirmed that staff members from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a joint China-Pakistan coal-fired power plant venture, were in the convoy when it was targeted around 11 p.m.

The attack resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injured one, with additional casualties among Pakistani security personnel escorting the convoy. However, the embassy did not provide further details on the Pakistani casualties.

Pakistani security officials reported that a police bomb disposal unit in Sindh province, where Karachi is the capital, had secured the road outside the airport before the convoy's movement. Despite this precaution, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) successfully carried out the attack, claiming responsibility for the bombing.

The BLA's spokesman, Junaid Baloch, stated that one of their suicide bombers targeted the convoy of Chinese engineers and investors as they departed from the airport. This incident raises concerns about Pakistan's ability to protect high-profile events and foreigners within the country, particularly with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

This attack bears resemblance to previous incidents, such as the 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack, where Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants launched a similar assault. The BLA's actions may be aimed at disrupting regional security and undermining Pakistan's relationships with China and other SCO member states.

Details of the Attack:

• Location: Outside Karachi's Jinnah International Airport
• Target: Convoy of Chinese engineers and investors
• Casualties: 2 Chinese workers killed, 1 injured, and Pakistani security personnel casualties
• Perpetrator: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
• Method: Suicide bombing

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the recent bombing near Karachi airport, labeling it a brutal terrorist attack. The attack, which occurred on October 6, targeted a convoy of Chinese nationals, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese workers and injuring eight others, including one additional Chinese national.

Despite security threats, officials chose not to close the road to minimize disruptions for residents and travelers heading to or from the airport. This decision highlights the delicate balance between ensuring security and maintaining daily life in the face of terrorist threats.

The incident raises concerns about Pakistan's ability to protect high-profile events and foreigners within the country, particularly with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as the 2014 Jinnah International Airport attack, where Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan militants launched a similar assault, killing 36 people and injuring 18 others.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the recent bombing near Karachi airport, expressing shock and sorrow over the attack. He labeled the perpetrators as “enemies of Pakistan” and vowed to bring them to justice, ensuring the security and well-being of Chinese nationals in the country.

Prime Minister Sharif took to social media to offer his heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership, the people of China, and the families of the victims. He emphasized Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding its Chinese friends, stating that no stone will be left unturned to ensure their safety.

In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Sharif reassured him that he would personally oversee the investigation into the attack. This gesture aims to strengthen cooperation and trust between Pakistan and China, particularly in light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit 

“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.

“We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack,” the ministry said in a statement.

In a show of commitment, Sharif promised that those responsible would face the full force of the law, reassuring the nation and the international community that Pakistan will not tolerate such heinous acts. This stance underscores his government's dedication to protecting its citizens, foreign nationals, and upholding national security.

“I strongly condemn this heinous act and offer my heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership and the people of China, particularly the families of the victims,” he posted on X.

Adding that, “Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being.”

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist organization designated by Pakistan and the United States, is estimated to have around 3,000 fighters, according to authorities. This group has a history of targeting Pakistani security forces and has also carried out attacks on Chinese nationals in the past.

The BLA's violent campaign seeks to disrupt regional stability and undermine Pakistan's relationships with China and other key partners. Their attacks on Chinese nationals, including the recent bombing near Karachi airport, highlight the group's opposition to China's economic interests in the region, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Key Facts about the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA):

• Classified as a terrorist group by Pakistan and the United States
• Estimated 3,000 fighters
• Frequently targets Pakistani security forces
• Has attacked Chinese nationals in the past
• Opposes China's economic interests in the region, including CPEC