Three assailants from a militant group attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi on Friday morning. This comprised an hour of firing at the consulate and has been claimed by a militant group from Balochistan called Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The group released pictures of the three attackers and said the attack was an attempt to battle Chinese occupation. BLA has claimed over ten attacks against the security force shielding the China-Pakistan economic corridor, this year.
According to the Pakistani police force, the three armed militants shot at the security gaurds and barged into the consulate building, flinging grenades. Pakistan’s security force, however, was quick to encircle the area and safeguard the Chinese consulate officials and diplomats during the attack. Reportedly, two policemen and the three militants were killed in the incursion.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan praised the police and paramilitary forces and has assured an in-depth investigation of the attack. He said the attack was a conspiracy against China and Pakistan’s increasing economic cooperation.
It may be noted that China has made substantial investments in Pakistan for the development of transport infrastructure to ensure greater trade.
