It also emphasizes how important it is for the state to avoid significant security lapses. It is now evident that the strong explosion that occurred late on Sunday night close to Karachi airport was a terrorist strike, notwithstanding the early uncertainty around its nature. Two Chinese nationals are among the at least three confirmed fatalities from the event. A group of Chinese laborers was traveling through the region when the terrorist attack appeared to be directed towards foreigners. The attack was carried out by the Majeed Brigade of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, which has taken credit for the tragedy.
In the meantime, several security officers lost their lives on Saturday in KP and Balochistan.Three security personnel were killed in a roadside bombing in Kalat, while thirteen army and FC troops were slaughtered in separate battles with militants in Kurram and North Waziristan.
The blast in Karachi ought to raise red flags in the halls of power. It happens just one week before senior foreign diplomats from different states are expected to convene for the Summit of the SCO in Islamabad. It’s possible that the Chinese nationals were singled out to cause trouble for the SCO gathering.