The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has termed the suicide bomb blast near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport a conspiracy aimed at damaging Pakistan-China relations.
The initial report, submitted by the CTD to the court, links the attack to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), with assistance from a foreign intelligence agency hostile to Pakistan.
According to the preliminary findings, an unidentified terrorist detonated a car bomb near vehicles in a Chinese convoy, close to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guard room, located in front of the Outer Jinnah International Terminal.
The explosion killed three people, including two Chinese nationals -- Li Jun and Sun Huazhen, while more than 12 others sustained injuries.
The blast also completely destroyed 15 vehicles, with injured individuals being found on the scene when the authorities responded to the explosion. The police, along with emergency services, were quick to arrive at the site after hearing the blast.
Among the injured were Waqar, Ilyas, Naeem, Rano Khan, Azim, Tariq, Ali, Hamza, and Sabih.
The case, filed by the SHO of the Airport police station, has incorporated charges of murder, assault, explosives, and terrorism under various sections of the anti-terrorism laws. The CTD report underlines that the attack was orchestrated with the intent to disrupt Pakistan's relations with China.
Formerly involved in similar attacks, the Balochistan Liberation Army has been accused of targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces have heightened their presence around key installations, particularly those related to Chinese investments, in the wake of the incident.
