Attack on foreign diplomats' convoy kills police officer in Pakistan
NBCSep 27
Pakistan: Karachi Blast Kills 2 Chinese Nationals
Above: A TV cameraman films a burning automobile at an explosion scene near Karachi airport on late October 6, 2024. A separatist militant group claimed a big bomb near Pakistan's largest city's airport on Monday. Image copyright: Asif Hassan/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Two Chinese nationals died Sunday in an explosion near Karachi International Airport in Pakistan, reportedly triggered by the militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
The blast took place at around 11PM local time, with authorities in the Sindh province reportedly saying that a "tanker" had exploded on the airport motorway.
The Spin
Narrative A
Pakistan's inability to protect Chinese nationals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a source of profound embarrassment for the country. This has not only strained relations with Beijing, but also exposed Pakistan's fragile security apparatus. Despite grand claims of being a frontline state against terrorism, Pakistan's failure to prevent these incidents could deal a severe blow to its sovereignty and pride.
Narrative B
China finds itself in a predicament with Pakistan, torn between its investment and the recurring violence aimed at the nation. On the face of it, Beijing seems reluctant to abandon its flagship Belt and Road Initiative showcase even while voicing concerns both publicly and privately. Clearly, it's high-risk appetite and strategic interests in the region compel it to persevere. This underscores China's commitment to the CPEC amid the challenges of a volatile environment.