The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has described the suicide bomb blast near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport as a conspiracy aimed at undermining Pakistan-China relations.
According to an initial report submitted to the court, the CTD has linked the attack to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and indicated possible involvement from a foreign intelligence agency hostile to Pakistan.
Preliminary investigations reveal that an unidentified assailant detonated a car bomb near a convoy transporting Chinese nationals, specifically close to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guard room near the Outer Jinnah International Terminal. The explosion tragically resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two Chinese nationals—Li Jun and Sun Huazhen. Over a dozen others were injured, and the blast completely destroyed 15 vehicles.
Emergency services and police responded quickly to the scene, where they found several injured individuals, including Waqar, Ilyas, Naeem, Rano Khan, Azim, Tariq, Ali, Hamza, and Sabih.
In the aftermath, the Airport police station filed a case incorporating charges of murder, assault, and terrorism under various anti-terrorism laws.
The CTD’s report emphasizes that this attack was orchestrated to disrupt the vital relationship between Pakistan and China. The BLA has previously been involved in attacks targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), raising serious concerns.
In response to this incident, the government has strongly condemned the attack and committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Security forces have increased their presence around key installations, particularly those linked to Chinese investments, to enhance protection and prevent further incidents.
