Architect of Karachi airport suicide attack arrested

Karachi: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has claimed that four suspects, including a mastermind of suicide bombing near Karachi airport that targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers, have been arrested.

Talking to media on Monday, alongside Sindh Inspector General (IG) Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, Minister Lanjar said that the main suspect behind the attack was identified as Javed, who coordinated the operation, including reconnaissance and providing information about the Chinese nationals' movements, Lanjar said.

He confirmed that two Chinese engineers were among the three individuals killed in the attack, while 11 others were injured. The outlawed separatist group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Minister Lanjar identified the suicide bomber as Shah Fahad, whose body was mostly destroyed in the explosion.

"CCTV footage also helped identify the bomber and two accomplices. Fragments of the vehicle used in the attack were recovered from the scene," he added.

Zia said that further investigation revealed that the car used in the bombing had been purchased for 7.1 million rupees from a showroom. Excise data revealed that two individuals, Farhan and Sharif, were involved in the car's purchase, and the bomber had accompanied them during the purchase.

Minister Lanjar also stated that the bombers had received financial assistance from accomplices, including a bank employee named Bilal. The vehicle used in the attack was reportedly taken to a location beyond Hub, where explosive materials, including RDX and a substance known as "paint," were added. The total weight of the explosives was between 30 to 40 kilograms, and such materials had been used in World War II in Germany.

Minister Lanjar assured the public that further efforts are underway to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in the planning and execution of the attack.

Last week, a private security company guard posted at a textile mill in Karachi opened fire and seriously injured two Chinese nationals following a quarrel on Tuesday morning, according to a senior city police officer as well as the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

Ensuring security of Chinese nationals govt's top priority: Mohsin Naqvi

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to enhance security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, particularly in response to a recent attack in Karachi that left two Chinese injured.

During a meeting in Islamabad with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Naqvi expressed solidarity and regret over the Karachi incident.

Naqvi underscored that protecting Chinese citizens remains a top priority, especially in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, which are integral to the bilateral partnership.

He assured that all possible steps are being taken to secure a peaceful environment for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, stating that those responsible for the Karachi attack would be brought to justice.

In the meeting, Naqvi conveyed condolences to the victims and their families, providing updates on the investigation's progress