A huge explosion took place late night near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan. Three foreign nationals have died in this blast. At the same time, more than 17 people have been injured. It is being told that two Chinese citizens are among those killed.

Balochistan National Army took responsibility
The Chinese Embassy said that the incident took place at 11 am local time. A tanker exploded outside Jinnah International Airport here. The explosion was carried out targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a power project in Sindh province. After the incident, the terrorist group Balochistan National Army took responsibility for the attack.

IED was used
Sindh province's Home Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar suspected that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used for the blast. The sound of the explosion was heard in many areas of the city. All the injured have been admitted to Jinnah Hospital for treatment.

Plumes of smoke seen

TV footage shows smoke billowing. Large flames of fire are visible near the spot. The sound of the explosion was heard in various parts of the city including North Nazimabad and Karimabad. Not only this, some vehicles were set on fire near the airport.

Lanjar was quoted as saying that the explosion was carried out near the vehicles of foreign nationals. He said, 'The explosion took place at the place where the bomb squad awaits its visitors and takes them to the destination.'

Flight schedule continues as normal

Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) said that the airport buildings and property are safe in this incident. The flight schedule at the airport continues as normal. The Director General of PAA has assured full cooperation in rescue operations. Officials are continuing the investigation of the incident and security has been increased in the area.

The tanker caught fire

Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar said, 'According to preliminary information, an oil tanker caught fire, due to which several other vehicles caught fire. This has caused damage.'

What did the Chinese Embassy say?

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said, 'On October 6, at around 11 pm, a convoy carrying Chinese employees of Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited was attacked near Jinnah International Airport. Two Chinese citizens were killed. One was injured. Apart from this, some local people have been injured.'

The embassy further said, 'The Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in Pakistan have immediately launched an emergency plan, requesting the Pakistani government to thoroughly investigate the attack, severely punish the culprits and take all necessary measures to protect Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan.'