Introduction

In a tragic turn of events, two Chinese nationals lost their lives in an explosion near the international airport in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday night. The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed this incident and labeled it as a “terrorist attack.” The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted Chinese nationals through a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). This incident has raised concerns about the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, especially in light of the ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Terrorist Attack in Karachi: The Incident

The explosion occurred near the airport in Karachi, a bustling city in southern Pakistan, on Sunday night. The attack specifically targeted a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, which included Chinese nationals, among them engineers working on various development projects in the country. This attack led to the unfortunate deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to several others. Pakistani authorities, along with the Chinese Embassy, have strongly condemned the incident and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding it.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group seeking independence for the southwestern province of Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement emailed to the media, the BLA declared that they had used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) to target Chinese nationals. This is not the first time the group has attacked Chinese interests in Pakistan, and it continues to pose a significant threat to China’s investment projects, especially under the CPEC.

China-Pakistan Economic Relations Under Threat

China has long been involved in development projects in Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a crucial part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The CPEC aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Pakistan, with Chinese investments worth billions of dollars. However, the security situation in Pakistan has been a major concern for China, especially with militant groups like the BLA specifically targeting Chinese nationals and projects.

In recent years, there have been several attacks on Chinese workers and projects in Pakistan. Just earlier this year, in March, five Chinese engineers were killed in a suicide bombing while working on a hydropower project in northern Pakistan. The Pakistani Taliban were initially suspected, although they denied involvement. These security concerns have forced both China and Pakistan to increase their efforts to safeguard Chinese nationals and investments in the region.

Pakistani Government’s Response

Following the attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep condolences and promised to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Sharif said, “Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being.”

This attack comes at a particularly sensitive time for Pakistan, as the country is preparing to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the capital, Islamabad. The summit is expected to see high-level Chinese representation, as well as the first visit by an Indian foreign minister in over a decade. With the world’s attention on Pakistan, the government is under significant pressure to ensure the security of foreign nationals, especially Chinese workers involved in key development projects.

Baloch Liberation Army and Its Ongoing Insurgency

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group that seeks independence for Balochistan, a province located in southwest Pakistan. Balochistan shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran, and it has been a hub for separatist movements for several decades. The BLA has carried out numerous attacks in recent years, particularly targeting Chinese interests, which it accuses of helping the Pakistani government exploit Balochistan’s natural resources.

In August, the BLA launched coordinated attacks in Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of more than 70 people. The militant group sees China’s investments, particularly in the Gwadar Port and other strategic projects, as a form of exploitation. This hostility towards Chinese involvement has made Chinese workers and projects in Balochistan a prime target for the BLA.

Impact on Chinese Investments in Pakistan

The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan and the persistent attacks on Chinese nationals and projects have raised serious concerns about the future of Chinese investments in Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a vital part of China’s global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Pakistan’s economic development is closely tied to its success. However, the security situation, particularly in Balochistan, poses a significant risk to these investments.

Chinese investments in Pakistan include infrastructure projects, energy development, and construction of new trade routes, such as the Gwadar Port. These projects are crucial for Pakistan’s economy, but the frequent attacks by militant groups have created uncertainty. Both countries have pledged to improve security, but incidents like the recent explosion in Karachi demonstrate the challenges they face in ensuring the safety of Chinese workers.

International Repercussions and SCO Summit

The timing of this attack is particularly sensitive, as Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week in Islamabad. This summit will see high-level Chinese officials, as well as the first visit by an Indian foreign minister in a decade. The Pakistani government has promised to ensure tight security for the event, but the recent violence in Karachi and the ongoing political unrest surrounding the former Prime Minister Imran Khan have added to the challenges.

Security will be a key issue during the SCO summit, and Pakistan’s handling of this incident could have implications for its relationship with China. Ensuring the safety of Chinese workers and projects will be a top priority for both Pakistan and China, particularly in light of the BLA’s ongoing insurgency.

Conclusion

The explosion in Karachi, which claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, has once again highlighted the security challenges faced by Chinese workers and investments in Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) continues to target Chinese nationals, particularly those involved in key infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Despite efforts by both Pakistan and China to enhance security, these attacks underscore the risks associated with investing in the region.

As Pakistan prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the government will need to take swift action to reassure its Chinese partners and demonstrate its commitment to ensuring their safety. The future of CPEC and the broader China-Pakistan relationship may depend on how effectively Pakistan addresses these security concerns in the coming months.