Breaking - Explosion near Pakistan airport kills two

A huge explosion has rocked near a major airport in Pakistan - the country the England cricket team are presently touring

Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a colossal explosion close to a prominent airport in Pakistan, following a bombing aimed at 'foreign investors'. It is, of course, the country the England cricket team are presently touring

The insurgent group Baloch Liberation Army has stepped forward claiming responsibility for the fatal incident, where they targeted a vehicle convoy with Chinese nationals aboard in Karachi.

Sunday evening was marred by the blast which left a minimum of ten people injured and has been vehemently labelled as a "terrorist attack" by the Chinese embassy in Pakistan. The embassy highlighted that the bombardment was squarely aimed at Chinese engineers working on an electricity generation project.

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Devastating footage captured the chaos with vehicles consumed by fire and dense black fumes billowing skywards.

This act of violence precedes the impending summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, set to be hosted by Pakistan. This regional alliance, established by China and Russia, serves as a counterpoint to Western coalitions.

A statement from Junaid Baloch, spokesperson for the separatist faction, disclosed that a suicide attacker purposefully struck the Chinese engineers and investors convoy as it departed the airport.

Whilst the stronghold of the Baloch Liberation Army is chiefly in the turbulent southwest province of Balochistan, over time it has also carried out attacks against foreigners and security outfits across other Pakistani regions.

In a separate remark, the Chinese embassy shed light on an assault that specifically targeted a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company in proximity to the airport.

"The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries and sincere sympathies to the injured and (their) families," a statement read, adding that the Chinese side has been working closely with Pakistani authorities following the incident.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that a Chinese national was also injured and an investigation is currently underway. "Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends," he stated on X.

"We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being."

Sharif expressed his shock and sorrow over the attack, labelling the attackers as enemies of Pakistan and vowing that the culprits would face justice. "I strongly condemn this heinous act and offer my heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership & the people of China, particularly the families of the victims," he posted on social media platform X.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the safety of their Chinese allies, stating: "We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security & well-being."

The Sunday night attack follows deadly incidents in August that claimed the lives of more than 50 people in Balochistan. At the time, Sharif said the attackers aimed to disrupt Chinese-funded development projects.

In March, in northwestern Pakistan, a suicide bombing claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver as they were en route to the Dasu Dam, Pakistan's largest hydropower project.