Three Terrorists Arrested in Connection with Deadly Karachi Airport Blast Targeting Chinese Nationals
The Sindh police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have arrested three terrorists, including a woman, allegedly involved in the recent Karachi airport blast that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals among three fatalities. The arrests were announced by Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar during a press conference, where he detailed the capture of Javed alias Sami, the suspected mastermind, and Gul Nisa, a female accomplice, on the RCD Highway connecting Karachi to Quetta.
The blast, which took place last month near Jinnah International Airport, involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) that killed three people and injured at least 16 others, including another Chinese citizen. Approximately 15 vehicles were damaged in the explosion. According to the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), 70-80 kilograms of explosives were planted in a double-cabin vehicle, which was crashed into a Chinese convoy’s coaster at the airport signal.
Lanjar explained that the attackers intended to disrupt Pakistan-China relations and sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The investigation revealed Javed’s role in coordinating the attack, while Gul Nisa reportedly aided in facilitating it. The vehicle used in the attack was purchased for Rs7.1 million from a Karachi showroom and registered under the suicide bomber’s name, with payment transferred through a private bank in Hub, Balochistan.
The suicide bomber, identified as Shah Fahad, was recognized through fingerprints, as his face and torso were burned in the explosion. Fahad reportedly arrived in Karachi on October 4 in the same vehicle with a woman and stayed at a local hotel in Saddar. On the night of the attack, Javed, located inside the airport, alerted Fahad via phone as the Chinese convoy exited the airport, at which point Fahad drove the explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy and detonated it.
The Sindh Home Minister also identified two additional suspects, Farhan, a rickshaw driver, and Muhammad Saeed, who are believed to have assisted in the attack. Meanwhile, three other suspects, Danish, Gul Rehman, and Bashir Zaid, remain at large. Lanjar commended the efforts of the CTD and Sindh police, announcing a Rs50 million reward for them and recommending the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal (QPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM).
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack via social media, with their Majeed Brigade reportedly behind the bombing. The CTD’s initial report, submitted to an anti-terrorism court, indicated that a hostile intelligence agency supported the attack. An FIR (No. 142/24) has been filed under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
In a video message released by the BLA, Shah Fahad is seen warning viewers, reportedly recorded shortly before the attack. Following the incident, a Chinese investigation team arrived in Karachi to inspect the blast site and receive briefings from Pakistani investigators on their findings.
