In response to a tragic suicide attack that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, China has dispatched a team of investigators to Islamabad to assist in the investigation. The attack occurred on October 6, 2024, near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, resulting in three fatalities, including a local Pakistani, and injuring 17 others.
According to state-run media reports, an inter-agency working group from China is now in contact with Pakistani authorities. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that the team has met with senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and various security agencies.
The spokesperson emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and urged Pakistani officials to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects within the country.
The statement called for all perpetrators to be brought to justice highlighting the importance of enhancing security measures.
Reports indicate that investigators have identified the suicide bomber as Shah Fahad from Noshki in Balochistan, as human remains found at the scene were matched with records from Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority.
The suicide bomber targeted a convoy carrying Chinese engineers and security personnel. The attack was executed using an explosive-laden vehicle that rammed into the convoy near an airport signal, leading to significant damage and casualties.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has long accused China of exploiting resources in Balochistan, fueling tensions in the region.
This incident follows a similar attack in March 2024 when five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing while working on the Dasu Hydropower Project, raising alarms about the safety of Chinese nationals involved in various infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In light of this attack, senior Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visited the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to express their condolences and condemn the violence, assuring that efforts would be made to bring those responsible to justice.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a “vile act of terrorism” and reiterated its commitment to protecting Chinese citizens working on development projects in Pakistan.
The ongoing violence against Chinese nationals poses significant challenges for Pakistan’s relations with China, especially as many Chinese workers are involved in critical infrastructure projects across the country.
The CPEC is a cornerstone of economic cooperation between China and Pakistan, with investments exceeding $65 billion aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic development. However, security concerns could jeopardize these investments if not addressed effectively.
