Two Chinese nationals were wounded in a shooting on Tuesday in Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling commercial hub, local police and hospital representatives confirmed. The incident adds to a string of violent attacks on Chinese citizens in Pakistan, prompting Beijing to intensify calls for enhanced security measures for its nationals.
Senior Superintendent of Police Faizan Ali reported that two Chinese nationals were shot but provided no further specifics regarding the assailant or the circumstances of the incident. A representative from Liaquat National Hospital stated that both individuals were receiving medical care, with one in critical condition.
Local news outlet Aaj News indicated that a security guard may have fired the shots, although no official confirmation has been made on the motive or the identity of the shooter. Authorities have not ruled out any potential links to militant activity, though details remain scarce.
This attack follows a fatal bombing near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in October, which claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers. The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for that assault, as part of its ongoing campaign targeting Chinese projects in Pakistan, which the group views as exploitative and a threat to regional autonomy.
Pakistan has seen a rising trend of violent incidents targeting Chinese nationals, particularly those involved in projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These attacks have raised significant security concerns for Beijing, leading to increased diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to protect Chinese citizens. The BLA and other insurgent groups have opposed Chinese investments, accusing them of contributing to local grievances and environmental damage.
Security authorities are investigating the latest incident to determine any connections to militant groups and assess risks posed to foreign workers, especially Chinese nationals in Pakistan, where security challenges persist.
