Chinese Engineers Targeted in Terrorist Attack in Karachi, Pakistan

peking - Two Chinese engineers were killed in a terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan, with a separatist group claiming responsibility for the suicide bombing.

In a suicide bombing in Karachi, Pakistan, two Chinese citizens were killed, along with a third person who has not been officially identified but is suspected to be the attacker. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the explosion, describing it as a suicide bombing targeting Chinese engineers and investors. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has called it a 'terrorist attack' on a group of engineers working on an energy project in the country, urging Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant. The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at connecting countries in Africa and Eurasia.

The engineers were working on the construction of two coal-fired power plants in Port Qasim, near Karachi. This particular project is part of the corridor, which includes various infrastructure and energy projects in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, known for its natural resources such as gas and minerals. The BLA and other Baloch ethnic groups have opposed these foreign investments, claiming that locals are not benefiting from the projects.

The BLA has previously targeted Chinese citizens in attacks, including incidents at a Pakistani naval base and the Chinese consulate in Karachi. The relationship between Pakistan and China has been strained by these attacks, with both countries emphasizing the need for security and protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.