A massive explosion occurred outside Karachi Airport, the largest in Pakistan, killing two people and injuring at least eight others. According to officials, the blast was caused by an oil tanker that exploded, but the provincial home minister claimed it was an attack targeting foreigners, specifically Chinese nationals. Thousands of Chinese workers are currently in Pakistan, working on various projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative. The blast sent flames engulfing cars and a thick column of smoke rising from the scene, with a heavy military deployment securing the area.
Videos taken at the scene showed the devastating aftermath, with the airport’s buildings visibly shaken by the powerful blast. Deputy Inspector General Azfar Mahesar said that the investigation was ongoing, and it was too early to determine the nature and reasons behind the explosion. Meanwhile, police officers were among those injured in the blast. The home minister and inspector general visited the scene but declined to speak to the press.
Megablaze erupts outside Karachi Airport in Pakistan (Image via Getty)
Rahat Hussain, an employee of the civil aviation department, witnessed the explosion and described it as having shaken the airport’s buildings. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of Pakistani infrastructure and the thousands of foreign workers, including Chinese nationals, who are employed on various projects in the country.
