Thu Feb 20 17:33:05 UTC 2025: ## Baloch Separatists Claim Responsibility for Deadly Karachi Bombing Targeting Chinese Nationals

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – A suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese nationals outside Karachi’s airport on Sunday night killed two Chinese workers and wounded eight others, including police officers, officials confirmed Monday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a Pakistani separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating a suicide bomber targeted the engineers and investors as they left the airport.

The attack, which occurred a week before Pakistan hosts a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, raises serious concerns about security in the country. Initial reports from Pakistani authorities were conflicting, with initial suggestions of an oil tanker explosion, before confirming the bombing. Videos circulating on Pakistani news channels showed cars engulfed in flames and a large plume of smoke rising from the scene.

The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the deaths and injuries among its citizens working at the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a joint China-Pakistan venture. Pakistani authorities stated that while a bomb disposal unit had cleared the road, it remained open to traffic, allowing the bomber access to the convoy.

The BLA, designated a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the United States, has a history of targeting Chinese nationals and Pakistani security forces, particularly in Balochistan province. Security analysts warn of a potential for further attacks before the upcoming summit. The attack comes amidst already heightened tensions in Balochistan, following deadly assaults in August that targeted Chinese-funded projects.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice and assuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals in the country. The Pakistani government is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. This latest attack highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in light of its significant economic ties with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

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