Attack on Chinese Workers Near Karachi Airport Results in Two Deaths

Pakistani and Chinese officials announced that two Chinese workers were killed and at least eight others were injured due to a massive explosion near Karachi Airport. According to Pakistani officials and police, a tanker exploded outside Karachi Airport, which is the largest airport in Pakistan, on Sunday. The Chinese embassy also stated that a convoy carrying employees of the Qasim Port Power Company was targeted around 11 PM local time, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese citizens. The statement mentioned that Pakistan also suffered casualties in this incident. Zia-ul-Hassan, a provincial official, stated in an interview with a local television network that foreigners were the primary target of this attack. Thousands of Chinese workers are present in Pakistan, most of whom are involved in the multi-billion dollar 'Belt and Road Initiative' that connects South and Central Asia to Beijing. China's statement described the explosion as a 'terrorist attack' and stated that Beijing is cooperating with Islamabad to manage the aftermath of this incident. The embassy also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and punishment for those responsible, reminding Chinese citizens in Pakistan to take precautions. The statement said, 'The Chinese embassy and consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack and express condolences to the innocent victims' families of both countries.' Azfar Mahsar, a judicial official in Pakistan, told the media that it appears a tanker exploded at the scene and that Pakistan is determining the various aspects of the incident. He added that police officers were also among the injured.