In a deadly terrorist attack, at least 5 Chinese nationals were killed when a suicide bomber struck a minibus carrying staff from a confidential project in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
The minibus was ferrying workers to the Dasu Hydropower Plant, where China is constructing a 4,000-megawatt dam. The explosion also injured several others.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. However, Baloch separatist insurgents who oppose Chinese investment in the region are suspected to be involved.
This is one of the worst attacks against Chinese nationals working under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure ties.
Beijing has poured billions into Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan, making its workers and projects high-profile targets. This attack deals a blow to large-scale projects.
Pakistan faces mounting pressure to secure better Chinese assets and personnel working within its borders, or else it risks souring relations with its closest ally.
The blast highlights persistent security threats confronting development work in insurgency-plagued Balochistan.
