Karachi attack an assault on Pak-China friendship: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent attack on Chinese citizens in Karachi, terming it an attack on the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, expressed deep sorrow over the terrorist incident and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with China to defeat the perpetrators of such acts.

In a statement, Baloch confirmed that two Chinese engineers were killed and another was injured in the explosion near Karachi Airport. She extended condolences to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

China condemns Karachi attack, issues advisory to its citizens

“This terrorist attack in Karachi is considered an assault on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China,” she said, adding that Pakistan is determined to bring the culprits to justice. “We will continue working alongside our Chinese brothers until terrorism is completely eradicated from its roots.”

The Foreign Office further stressed that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the terrorists and their facilitators to ensure they meet their deserved punishment. Baloch also noted that Pakistan remains in close contact with the Chinese embassy and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

PRIME MINISTER CONDEMNS ATTACK

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack in the strongest terms. In his statement, he referred to the assault on Chinese citizens as a “heinous act.” The Prime Minister offered his heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership and the families of the victims.

He reiterated that those responsible for the attack are not true Pakistanis but “enemies of the state.” He added, “Pakistan is determined to ensure the safety of our Chinese friends, and we will leave no stone unturned in protecting them.”

The attack took place a day earlier near Karachi Airport, where a powerful explosion claimed the lives of two foreign nationals and injured 17 others. The blast was heard across the city, and several vehicles were also destroyed in the aftermath.

This attack marks another incident targeting Chinese nationals, who have been working on numerous development projects in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), underscoring the need for enhanced security for foreign workers in the country.