Chinese engineers killed in Karachi airport blast not part of IPP talks: finance ministry
1. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had earlier said IPPs negotiating personnel were attacked in Karachi
The Ministry of Finance issued a clarification on Wednesday regarding a previous statement about the Chinese citizens killed in a blast near Karachi airport.
The ministry emphasized that "none of the two Chinese engineers were involved in the ongoing discussions about independent power producers (IPPs)." This statement was made following comments by Federal Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb.
A report from *The News* quoted Aurangzeb, who, along with Power Minister Awais Leghari, had been leading negotiations with power companies to request debt re-profiling and extended maturity, which could potentially lead to a reduction in power tariffs. Aurangzeb stated, “The personnel negotiating with the IPPs were attacked in Karachi,” calling it a highly unfortunate incident.
On October 6, a suspected suicide attack near Jinnah International Airport resulted in the deaths of three people, including two Chinese nationals, and left dozens injured. The government attributed the attack to the outlawed Majeed Brigade.
Authorities have arrested nine individuals, including a woman, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the blast.
The incident prompted a strong reaction from Pakistan's leadership, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing deep shock and sadness. He stated on X, “Pakistan is committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being.”
The Chinese embassy condemned the attack, confirming that a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted near the airport. The United States also condemned the attack, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries during a news briefing in Washington.
