Karachi: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar confirmed the arrest of two suspects involved in last month’s deadly attack near Karachi Airport. The explosion targeted a convoy carrying Chinese officials and took three lives, including two Chinese nationals.
On October 6, a powerful blast occurred on a road near Jinnah International Airport. The explosion killed two Chinese engineers and one Pakistani, while injuring at least 11 others. The attack, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), aimed to undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and disrupt Pakistan-China relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised to oversee the investigation personally, and China pledged to work with Pakistan to secure its nationals and projects within the country.
Arrests and Investigation
At a press conference alongside the inspector general of police, Lanjar confirmed that a “suicide bomber driving a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VIED)” attacked the convoy at 11 p.m. on October 6. The explosion caused a fire that damaged multiple vehicles.
Lanjar detailed that Sindh’s Counterterrorism Department (CTD) registered an FIR and formed a high-level joint investigation team. The team employed advanced forensic methods to examine the scene and gather critical evidence.
Key Arrests and Roles
Lanjar disclosed that, during an intelligence-based operation last night, police arrested two key suspects near Umar Goth Chowk in Karachi. Javed alias Sameer, one of the masterminds, and his accomplice, Gul Nisa, were apprehended while riding a motorcycle. The suspects had recently entered Karachi via Hub.
Investigations revealed Javed’s direct involvement in the bombing, while Gul Nisa provided logistical support. Lanjar said the suicide bomber, identified as Shah Fahad, was identified through fingerprints since his face and torso were severely burned in the blast.
Detailed Planning and Execution
Further investigation showed that the bomber’s vehicle was bought in September 2024 for Rs7.1 million in cash from a Karachi showroom. Payment was facilitated through a private bank in Hub, Balochistan.
The bomber and an accomplice arrived in Karachi on October 4, checking into a hotel in Saddar. On October 6, the bomber checked out, picked up accomplices, and later circled Karachi Airport, eventually returning to a park near the Marriott Hotel to record a final video message.
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At 9:30 p.m., the attackers moved towards the airport. The suicide bomber remained in the vehicle with an accomplice, while another entered the airport to monitor the convoy’s movements. As the convoy exited the airport, an accomplice signaled the bomber, who then detonated the vehicle near the convoy at around 11 p.m.
Praise for Law Enforcement Efforts
Minister Lanjar commended the CTD and Sindh police for identifying and capturing key suspects behind the attack. He announced a reward of Rs50 million for the CTD team and promised to recommend them for the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal (QPM) and the President’s Police Medal (PPM).
The minister named three additional suspects — Danish, Gul Rehman, and Bashir Zaid — who remain at large. Zaid, described as a mastermind, was reportedly orchestrating the attack from abroad. Two more accomplices, Farhan and Mohammed Syed, both rickshaw drivers, were also involved but remain at large.
Warning Against Terrorism
Lanjar issued a stern warning to groups involved in terrorist activities, stating, “We have our eyes on foreign conspiracies trying to destabilize Pakistan, particularly Sindh.” He emphasized Sindh’s commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining peace.
The home minister also condemned the misuse of women in terrorist activities, adding that “Sindhi people do not appreciate such acts” and urged respect for local sentiments.
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