Terror attack on convoy in Karachi slammed

Beijing has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that killed two Chinese nationals in Karachi, a port city in Pakistan, urging Islamabad to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The bombing that took place around 11 pm on Sunday targeted a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company near Jinnah International Airport.

Two Chinese citizens were killed and one was injured in the attack, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan said in a statement on Monday, adding that there were also Pakistani casualties and that it is working with the Pakistani side to handle the situation.

The Foreign Ministry and the embassy, which initiated emergency response after the attack, have requested the Pakistani side to make all-out efforts to treat the injured, investigate the incident and impose harsh punishment on the perpetrators.

In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for the ministry called on Pakistan to effectively plug security loopholes and take more targeted measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions. "Terrorism is a common enemy of all humanity. The terrorist forces' attempt to undermine mutual trust and cooperation between China and Pakistan, as well as the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, will not succeed," the spokesperson said.

China will continue to support Pakistan in advancing its counterterrorism actions, and will work with Pakistan to thwart all attempts to disrupt relations between the two countries, the spokesperson added.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan urged Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to stay vigilant, follow the local security situation closely and strengthen security measures.

According to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators of the attack. "Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being," he said in a statement.

Sharif said he is "deeply shocked and saddened" by the attack, and offers his "heartfelt condolences" to the people of China.