Three people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed and at least 11 others injured in a massive explosion near Karachi’s airport on Sunday night, officials confirmed on Monday. The powerful blast, heard as far as Clifton, has led to conflicting reports about its cause, with authorities debating whether it was an improvised explosive device (IED) or a collision between a vehicle and an oil tanker.
Footage from the scene showed multiple vehicles engulfed in flames, and officials said the Bomb Disposal Squad was working to determine the exact nature of the explosion. The outlawed Majeed Brigade of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, although this has yet to be independently verified.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed that two of its nationals were among the dead, while another was injured. The convoy targeted was carrying Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company. The embassy condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation and stronger security measures for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that the bodies of the two Chinese nationals, along with an unidentified individual, were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where autopsies were conducted. Of the 10 injured brought to JPMC, one remains in critical condition, while four others were discharged after receiving first aid.
Rescue efforts managed to contain the blaze caused by the explosion, which destroyed at least seven vehicles. The Airport Security Force sealed off the area following the incident, but by Monday morning, traffic had resumed on roads leading to Jinnah International Airport, and flight operations continued as usual.
The Chinese Embassy urged Pakistan to punish those responsible and to enhance the safety of Chinese citizens and projects across the country. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar said initial reports suggested an IED blast, but further investigation is underway to confirm the cause.
