Karachi Blast Claims Lives of Several, Including Two Chinese Nationals

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed on Monday that two Chinese nationals were killed and one Chinese national injured while several Pakistani nationals were killed and injured in a terrorist attack at Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi late Sunday night.

It said the attack took place around 11:00 p.m. local time Sunday when a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked by terrorists near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital city of the country's south Sindh province.

"The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences to the victims of the two countries, and extend sincere condolences to the injured and their relatives," it said, adding that the Chinese side has been working with the Pakistani side to do their best to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

A massive fire broke out after a huge explosion on Sunday night engulfed several vehicles near the airport in Karachi, Xinhua news agency quoted police as saying.

The Chinese missions in Pakistan have launched emergency response work as soon as possible, demanding Pakistan do its utmost to treat the injured, probe into the attack thoroughly, and severely punish perpetrators, said the statement.

The embassy stressed that in parallel with this, effective and practical measures should be adopted by the Pakistani side to guarantee the protection of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan.

"The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions," the statement reads.

A banned outfit, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on a social media platform, which the Pakistani authorities haven't confirmed.