Three people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed, and at least 11 others were injured following a massive explosion near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport last night, officials reported on Monday.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the cause of the explosion, which was heard across the city as far as Clifton. Officials are currently debating whether it was an “IED (improvised explosive device) blast” or the result of a vehicle colliding with an oil tanker.
Footage from the scene showed several vehicles engulfed in flames, and the Bomb Disposal Squad is working to determine the nature of the blast.
The outlawed Majeed Brigade, a faction 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 died in the incident, with one additional Chinese national injured, alongside “some local casualties.” The embassy stated that a convoy carrying staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted near the airport.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that the bodies of the two deceased Chinese nationals and one unidentified individual were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for autopsy. A total of 10 injured individuals were treated at JPMC, including one in critical condition, while four others were discharged after receiving first aid.
The Chinese embassy condemned the “terrorist attack,” extending condolences to the victims and their families. It urged Pakistan to thoroughly investigate the incident and take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects in the country.
Rescue 1122 reported that the fire from the explosion affected at least seven vehicles, with the blaze now under control.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar initially indicated that the explosion might have been caused by an IED, while Deputy Inspector General (East) Capt (retd) Azfar Mahesar noted that more time was needed to confirm the exact cause.
Following the explosion, the Airport Security Force cordoned off the area, sealing entry and exit points at the airport. A traffic police statement confirmed that the airport road was reopened by 8:22 AM, with diversions for vehicles coming from Jinnah International Airport.
The Civil Aviation Authority stated that flights from Karachi continued “as usual” while investigations proceeded at the site of the explosion.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, expressing grief over the deaths of the Chinese nationals and solidarity with their families. He emphasized that those responsible would face justice and described the attack as a cowardly attempt to undermine Pakistan-China relations.
