The three Chinese nationals who were killed in the blast near Karachi Airport on Sunday have been identified. At least 17 people were injured in the incident as well.
The three Chinese nationals have been identified as Li Jun, Wu Chun Zhin and Li Zhiao.
The blast, which occurred on the road leading from the airport to Model Colony, was so intense that its sound was heard in Defense, Karimabad, and Jamshed Road.
According to the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese nationals were travelling in a convoy from Port Qasim.
The initial blast ignited an oil tanker, which in turn set several nearby vehicles ablaze. Two police vehicles were also damaged. The fire spread to trees, engulfing the area in smoke. Authorities have confirmed that airport facilities remain intact. A bomb disposal squad has been deployed, and evidence is being collected.
Shockwaves from the explosion were felt several kilometres away in Defence and Gulshan-e-Hadeed. A great cloud of smoke billowed out of the oil tanker hovering next to the airport.
According to police reports, four rickshaws, three cars, and a jeep were destroyed in the fire. All roads leading to the airport have been temporarily closed. CCTV footage of the incident has emerged, showing a massive explosion.
Read more: China reacts to Karachi bombing, issues advisory to citizens
Sindh Interior Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar has confirmed that the incident was a terrorist attack targeting a vehicle carrying foreign nationals. He stated that the blast occurred after the vehicle carrying the foreign nationals had passed. While initial reports suggest the use of an improvised explosive device (IED), investigations are ongoing.
Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and has requested a report from the Interior Minister and the Inspector General of Police. He has instructed the police to maintain access to and from the airport and ordered a thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident.
The investigation into the attack on a foreign convoy near Karachi airport has yielded significant new information.
According to investigative sources, a small car was used in the attack. Authorities are currently working to obtain the car’s license plate number, engine number, and chassis number.
Sources reveal that the car, driven by a suspected suicide bomber, waited for the convoy to pass before deliberately ramming into the foreign nationals’ vehicle. The car is believed to have contained a significant amount of explosives, resulting in its complete destruction.
Investigators state that after the explosion, an attempt was made to reverse one of the foreign vehicles to safety. However, the large quantity of explosives used caused substantial damage to several vehicles.
Investigative sources further revealed that details of the affected vehicles are currently being collected.
Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack near Karachi airport took place on Sunday night killing two Chinese engineers and injuring another, and assured to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China…We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement.
She said that Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies would spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and their facilitators.
“This barbaric act will not go unpunished,” she assured.
The spokesperson extended deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
She said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in close contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation.
She said that Pakistan and China were close partners and iron-brothers, united by a bond of mutual respect and shared destiny.
“Pakistan reaffirms it’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and will continue to work hand in hand with our Chinese brothers to defeat the forces of terror, “ the spokesperson reiterated.
