Pakistan: Blast Near Karachi Airport Kills Two Chinese Workers, Injures Many; Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility

A powerful explosion near Karachi's airport on Sunday (6 October) night claimed the lives of two Chinese workers and left at least eight others injured, including Pakistani citizens.

The Chinese Embassy issued a statement indicating that a convoy carrying Chinese personnel from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited was attacked around 11 pm.

Security forces were seen investigating the scene, which was quickly sealed off, and military personnel were deployed in response. Rahat Hussain, an employee in the civil aviation department, described the explosion as "so big" that it rattled the buildings nearby.

Chinese nationals have been working on infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, a frequent target of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Provincial Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan confirmed to Geo TV that the attack targeted foreign nationals. The BLA later claimed responsibility, stating that the attack targeted Chinese nationals, including engineers, using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).

The BLA seeks independence for the Balochistan region, accusing both Pakistan and China of exploiting the province's resources and suppressing local rights andhas previously targeted Chinese workers and infrastructure.