China has declared its intent to collaborate with Pakistan to safeguard the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions within the country, following the tragic killing of two Chinese engineers in an attack claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, expressed her unawareness of reports indicating that Pakistani authorities might impose restrictions on the movements of Chinese citizens during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, citing security risks posed by militant groups. This remark comes amid information from three security officials and an internal security document suggesting that such actions are being considered.
On Sunday night, a devastating explosion near Jinnah International Airport claimed the lives of three individuals and injured at least 11 others, including a Chinese citizen. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the nature of the explosion, with officials describing it alternately as an “IED (improvised explosive device) blast” or as a result of a vehicle colliding with an oil tanker.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed that two of its nationals were killed in the attack, with another injured alongside “some local casualties.” In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the embassy to extend his condolences to Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. Furthermore, police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against BLA leaders.
Authorities suspect that the BLA, allegedly supported by a foreign intelligence agency, aimed to undermine Pakistan-China relations by specifically targeting Chinese nationals. The FIR, lodged by Airport Police Station SHO Moosa Kaleem Khan at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), details how a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden Toyota Hilux into a convoy of Chinese nationals near the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guard room at the airport.
The FIR also notes that the BLA, through its spokesperson Jeeand Baloch, claimed responsibility for the bombing. Police have named BLA commander Bashir Ahmed, also known as Bashir Zeb, and Abdul Rehman, known as Rehman Gul, among the co-accused.
The BLA is believed to be seeking to destabilize Pakistan’s security and economy, incite fear among the public, and demoralize security institutions. The investigation has invoked various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
In response to the recent violence, the federal government has announced a three-day holiday in the capital from October 14 to ensure the safety of delegates attending the SCO summit. A notification from the Cabinet Division confirmed that October 14, 15, and 16, 2024 (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) will be designated as closed holidays within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Rawalpindi District, facilitating the smooth conduct of the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government.
