Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Monday, strongly condemned Sunday night's attack in Karachi, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and the injury of another.
He stated that the culprits behind this heinous act could not be Pakistanis but were enemies of the state.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the tragic incident, the prime minister extended his heartfelt condolences to China's leadership, its people, and especially to the families of the victims. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sharif emphasized that an immediate investigation is underway to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
Deeply shocked and saddened by last night’s tragic incident in Karachi, resulting in the loss of two precious Chinese lives & injuring another. I strongly condemn this heinous act and offer my heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership & the people of China, particularly the…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 7, 2024
He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to protecting its Chinese allies, vowing to leave no stone unturned in ensuring their safety and well-being. "Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security & well-being," he concluded.
Two Chinese nationals were among the three people killed and at least 17 people injured, including a Chinese, when a powerful explosion rocked the area outside Karachi's airport late Sunday night. The injured also included Rangers and police personnel. The blast, which could be heard as far away as Clifton, led to immediate confusion, with authorities offering conflicting accounts of its cause.
Also Read: China demands Pakistan investigate attack, punish perpetrators
Officials initially speculated the explosion was either triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) or caused by a vehicle colliding with an oil tanker.
In response, a heavy contingent of police and Rangers rushed to the scene, providing first aid and transporting the injured to a nearby hospital. Footage from the site showed multiple vehicles engulfed in flames as rescue teams worked to control the situation.