FM Aurangzeb expressed that the killings represent an irreparable loss for the country, noting that the engineers were working on tariff reductions aimed at providing relief to the public
By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Finance Division has released a statement addressing media reports suggesting that the two Chinese engineers killed in the recent Karachi blast were involved in negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The Finance Ministry clarified that any implications from these reports regarding the deceased engineers’ connection to IPP talks are misleading and unfounded. The ministry emphasized that negotiations with the IPPs are ongoing, which include the power plant where the engineers were employed.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed that the killings represent an irreparable loss for the country, noting that the engineers were working on tariff reductions aimed at providing relief to the public. In a recent address, Aurangzeb highlighted the engineers’ commitment to creating a “win-win situation for China and Pakistan” through their work with Chinese IPPs. The blast occurred near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, triggered by an explosion in an oil tanker, causing chaos and fear in the vicinity. The explosion resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to ten others, including several security personnel.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast was powerful enough to be heard from a considerable distance, prompting local residents to evacuate their homes in panic. In the aftermath of the explosion, three cars and four motorcycles were destroyed, leading to significant traffic disruptions on Sharea Faisal as emergency responders worked to manage the situation. Rangers and police quickly cordoned off the area, allowing fire brigade teams to combat the flames, which took about an hour to bring under control. Among the injured were three security guards, two Rangers, a police officer, a foreign national, and three civilians.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was executed using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device specifically targeting Chinese engineers. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in the region, particularly regarding the safety of foreign nationals working on infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
