At least 10 people were hurt after a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked near Karachi airport.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has said at least two of its citizens were killed and a third injured after their convoy was attacked near Karachi airport.
The embassy said the attack took place at about 11pm on Sunday (18:00 GMT) close to the Jinnah International Airport, and targeted the Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
Geo News, a Pakistani news broadcaster, reported at least 10 people were injured.
In the statement early on Monday, the Chinese Embassy said it strongly condemned the “terrorist attack” and requested “the Pakistani side to thoroughly investigate the attack, severely punish the perpetrators, and take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan”.
Hassaan Khan, a rescue official, told Dawn.com that 10 vehicles were damaged in the fire caused by the explosion and that four cars were completely destroyed.
In a statement emailed to journalists earlier, the armed group the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) said it was behind the attack, which involved an improvised explosive device (IED).
The BLA wants independence for Balochistan and is part of a broader rebellion in Pakistan’s largest and least-populated province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.
It has been banned by the government in Pakistan.
In August, the BLA launched coordinated attacks in the province, in which more than 70 people were killed. It has claimed attacks in Balochistan including the killing of seven barbers in Gwadar in May and the April killings of several people abducted from a highway.
The BLA specifically targets Chinese interests – in particular the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea – accusing Beijing of helping Islamabad to exploit the province.
In March this year, five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani national were killed in an attack near the China-backed Dasu hydropower project. Nine Chinese engineers were killed in a similar attack near Dasu in 2021.
The BLA has also attacked Beijing’s consulate in Karachi.
The Port Qasim project involves the construction of two power plants near Karachi and is funded by China.
The Chinese Embassy statement reminded its citizens, companies and projects to “be vigilant, pay close attention to the security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions”.
Pakistan is due to host the summit of the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in two weeks’ time.
Given the context of the recent attack on foreign workers in Pakistan, a relevant PAA (Public Affairs Analysis) question could be:
Given the recent attack on the convoy of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company near Karachi airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens and injuries to at least ten others, a relevant question for debate could be:
“What are the implications of foreign worker safety in conflict zones, and how should governments balance developmental partnerships with security concerns?”
This question invites discussion on the broader context of foreign investments and aid in regions with ongoing security issues, like Pakistan, where attacks against foreign nationals can have significant ramifications on international relations, economic development, and local stability.
In the case of the recent attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility, highlighting the challenges that arise from insurgent activities targeting foreign workers, which further complicates Pakistan’s strategic partnerships, particularly with China in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) [1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2][3[3[3[3[3[3[3[3].
This discussion could explore topics such as the roles of local governments, the responsibilities of foreign companies, and the effectiveness of current security measures in protecting foreign nationals in sensitive areas.
Given the context of the recent attack on the convoy of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company near Karachi, here are some pertinent Questions and Answers (PAA) related to the topic:
Given the recent attack on the convoy of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company near Karachi, a pertinent debate question could be: What measures should the Pakistani government prioritize to enhance the security of foreign nationals and projects in the country, particularly in light of increasing attacks by groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)?
This question raises important discussions around national security, the economic implications of ensuring safety for foreign investments, and the ethical considerations of foreign projects in politically unstable regions. On one hand, the government needs to bolster security protocols to prevent such attacks and protect lives. On the other hand, there may be concerns about the implications of heightened security measures on civil liberties and local communities that feel the impact of military or police presence.
The recent attack that resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to others has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by foreign workers and the infrastructure projects they are involved in [1[1][2[2][3[3]. The BLA’s targeted attacks against Chinese interests have raised alarms about the effectiveness of current security strategies and the broader implications for Pakistan’s foreign relations and investment climate.
Thus, engaging in this debate can help illuminate diverse perspectives on the balance between security measures and the impact on local communities, foreign investments, and Pakistan’s international relations.
