Pakistan: Karachi Blast Kills 2 Chinese Nationals

Facts

• Two Chinese nationals died Sunday in an explosion near Karachi International Airport in Pakistan, reportedly triggered by the militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).^[1][2]
• The blast took place at around 11PM local time, with authorities in the Sindh province reportedly saying that a 'tanker' had exploded on the airport motorway.^[3]
• The Chinese embassy claimed that the blast, which injured several others, was targeted at the Chinese employees of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.^[4]
• The embassy has also reminded 'Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant,' and asked them to 'pay close attention to the local security situation.'^[5]
• The BLA, which seeks a separate Baloch homeland and has often targeted Chinese nationals, has claimed this was a suicide attack by its Majeed Brigade.^[6]
• Port Qasim Power reportedly aims to build two coal power plants near Karachi as part of an economic corridor of China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative.^[6]

Sources: ^[1]Guardian, ^[2]Associated Press, ^[3]Pakistan – Gulf News, ^[4]South China Morning Post, ^[5]Gbcode and ^[6]BBC News.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by ETV Bharat News. Pakistan's inability to protect Chinese nationals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a source of profound embarrassment for the country. This has not only strained relations with Beijing, but also exposed Pakistan's fragile security apparatus. Despite grand claims of being a frontline state against terrorism, Pakistan's failure to prevent these incidents could deal a severe blow to its sovereignty and pride.
• Narrative B, as provided by The Diplomat. China finds itself in a predicament with Pakistan, torn between its investment and the recurring violence aimed at the nation. On the face of it, Beijing seems reluctant to abandon its flagship Belt and Road Initiative showcase even while voicing concerns both publicly and privately. Clearly, it's high-risk appetite and strategic interests in the region compel it to persevere. This underscores China's commitment to the CPEC amid the challenges of a volatile environment.

Predictions