Two Chinese nationals were killed in a blast at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, Pakistan, in early October 2024. The incident, which occurred in the cargo section of the airport, has rattled both China and Pakistan, raising concerns over the safety of Chinese workers and citizens in Pakistan amidst rising security threats. The Chinese government responded swiftly, condemning the attack and demanding swift justice.
The Karachi Blast Incident
The blast, which took place in the early hours of October 5, 2024, was the result of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted near the cargo terminal. The explosion killed two Chinese nationals and injured several others, including Pakistani workers. Initial investigations by Pakistani authorities suggested that the Chinese nationals targeted in the attack were working for a Chinese logistics company involved in projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Security officials have not ruled out the possibility of militant involvement, particularly from groups opposed to China’s increasing influence in Pakistan. This attack is part of a broader pattern of targeted violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan, especially in regions where major infrastructure and energy projects are underway under CPEC. These projects have been met with resistance from local insurgents, some of whom see Chinese involvement as an imposition on their autonomy and resources.
China’s Strong Reaction
China’s foreign ministry reacted with sharp condemnation of the incident. In an official statement, Chinese officials expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss of their citizens and strongly urged Pakistani authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. “We demand that the Pakistani side take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan,” read the statement. “The perpetrators must be severely punished.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, added further in a press briefing: “China will not tolerate such attacks on its nationals, and we expect the Pakistani authorities to act swiftly. The safety of Chinese citizens abroad is of utmost importance to the Chinese government. We will closely monitor the situation and work with Pakistan to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”
Beijing also called for a strengthening of security measures around Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan. Over the years, Pakistan has made several attempts to secure CPEC projects, including the formation of a dedicated military unit for their protection. However, insurgent and militant groups continue to target Chinese workers and infrastructure, particularly in regions like Balochistan and Sindh.
The Implications for Pakistan-China Relations
The Karachi blast comes at a sensitive time for Sino-Pakistani relations. China is Pakistan’s closest ally, and their cooperation, especially in the economic and defense sectors, has grown significantly in the last decade. CPEC, the multi-billion dollar infrastructure and energy project, is seen as the cornerstone of their partnership. However, this collaboration has come under strain due to repeated attacks on Chinese personnel and assets in Pakistan.
The Chinese government has previously expressed concerns over the security situation in Pakistan, although it has largely refrained from publicly criticizing its ally. However, the deaths of Chinese nationals are likely to increase pressure on Pakistan to take more decisive actions against militant groups responsible for such attacks. For Pakistan, the challenge lies in balancing its need to protect foreign investments with the complex security dynamics in volatile regions like Balochistan, where local separatist movements have gained strength in recent years.
The Pakistani government, led by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has already issued statements condemning the attack and offering condolences to the families of the victims. Pakistani authorities vowed to bring those responsible to justice, and an investigation is currently underway. Kakar has also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to protect Chinese personnel and investments in Pakistan.
Recurrent Threats to CPEC Projects
The Karachi airport blast is only the latest in a series of attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. In recent years, several high-profile attacks have shaken the confidence of Chinese investors and workers. In April 2022, a suicide bombing at Karachi University killed three Chinese teachers. In 2021, an explosion targeted a bus carrying Chinese workers to a CPEC construction site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing nine Chinese citizens.
Militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have claimed responsibility for many of these attacks, viewing China as complicit in what they perceive as the exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources. While the Pakistani military has conducted numerous operations to curb insurgent activities, the attacks continue, raising questions about the efficacy of security measures.
The killing of two Chinese nationals in the Karachi blast has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Chinese citizens working in Pakistan, particularly in connection to CPEC projects. China’s demand for swift justice and stronger security measures underscores the importance of Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign workers. As both nations continue to strengthen their strategic and economic ties, addressing these security challenges will be crucial for the success of their partnership.