Explosion near Karachi airport kills 2 Chinese

According to the reports on Monday (7 October), a massive explosion occurred near Karachi’s main airport late Sunday night (6 October, local time), killing two Chinese officials and injuring at least eight others, including Pakistani citizens. The blast was reported to have taken place outside the airport premises when an oil tanker exploded. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, and a significant military presence was deployed to manage the situation.

The explosion specifically targeted a convoy transporting Chinese employees of Port Qasim Electric Power Company. According to the Chinese Embassy, the attack killed two Chinese nationals and injured one more. Videos from the scene showed vehicles in flames and thick smoke rising, and the explosion was so strong that it shook the airport’s buildings.

Pakistan hosts thousands of Chinese workers, many of whom are involved in the Belt and Road Initiative projects. The Chinese government condemned the incident as a terrorist attack and urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. They also reminded Chinese nationals in Pakistan to stay vigilant.

Local authorities confirmed the explosion came from an oil tanker, but investigations are ongoing to determine the precise nature of the blast. The home minister and senior police officials visited the site but refrained from speaking to the media. Several police officers were also injured during the incident.

References

• Massive Explosion Rocks Karachi Airport Area Killing Two Chinese Officials
• Two killed in ‘terror attack’ on Chinese convoy at Pakistan’s largest airport