A massive explosion outside Karachi Airport on Sunday killed two Chinese workers and injured at least eight others, officials from both Pakistan and China confirmed.
The blast occurred when a tanker exploded near the airport, Pakistan’s largest, according to local police and the provincial government. A statement from the Chinese Embassy revealed that a convoy carrying Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited was attacked around 11 p.m., resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to another. Pakistani casualties were also reported.
Provincial Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan described the explosion as an attack targeting foreigners.
Thousands of Chinese workers are stationed in Pakistan, primarily working on Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Videos from the scene showed cars engulfed in flames and thick smoke, with military forces deployed and the area cordoned off.
The Chinese Embassy condemned the blast as a “terrorist attack” and urged Pakistan to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Chinese nationals in Pakistan have been advised to remain vigilant.