A powerful explosion near Airport late Sunday
night claimed the lives of three individuals
including two Chinese nationals
Staff Reporter
Karachi: A powerful explosion near Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night resulted in at least three fatalities and left more than a dozen others injured. Authorities are currently investigating whether the blast stemmed from an improvised explosive device (IED) or was triggered by a vehicle colliding with an oil tanker.
Details of the Incident
Late on Sunday night, a massive explosion rocked a road close to the airport. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast was heard from several kilometers away, including areas as far as Clifton. Footage from the scene showed several vehicles engulfed in flames. The police reported that at least seven vehicles were destroyed in the incident.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that the bodies of two Chinese nationals and one unidentified individual were transported to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for autopsies. Among the injured, one person’s condition remains critical, while four others were treated and discharged after receiving first aid.
Government Response
The Foreign Office issued a statement on Monday condemning the attack, affirming that it would not go unpunished. The attack reportedly targeted a convoy carrying Chinese engineers and investors from the airport. The statement expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, both Chinese and Pakistani.
“Pakistan’s security agencies will spare no effort in apprehending those responsible for this barbaric act,” the statement read. It emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals in the country.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed the deaths of two nationals and expressed strong condemnation of the attack. They called for a thorough investigation and measures to protect Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan.
Sindh CM’s Visit and Security Meeting
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the Chinese consulate to express his condolences to Consul General Yang Yundong. He condemned the attack as intolerable and directed law enforcement agencies to strengthen their intelligence-gathering efforts. Following the visit, CM Shah convened a high-level security meeting to discuss measures for enhancing the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens in Sindh.
In a show of solidarity, other officials, including the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, also condemned the incident, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals.In a show of solidarity, other officials, including the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, also condemned the incident, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals.
Conclusion
This tragic incident comes just ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for October 15-16, which is expected to be attended by several foreign delegations, including those from China.
The authorities have tightened security measures around the airport and are investigating the incident thoroughly to ensure that such attacks do not occur in the future.
