Japanese nationals travelling in a Hiace van in Karachi were targeted in a suicide bomb attack on Friday morning, resulting in casualties and chaos in the city. The attack, which occurred in the Landhi area, left two militants dead but, remarkably, the lives of all five Japanese passengers were spared.
The vehicle was reportedly heading to the Export Processing Zone from the Clifton neighborhood, where the Japanese resided.
Police Response
According to reports from broadcaster Geo News, the suicide bomber detonated explosives near the vehicle, intending to cause maximum harm. However, in a swift response, the police engaged the attackers, resulting in the death of the suicide bomber and two militants.
Police reported two attackers on a motorcycle, one of whom detonated himself, while the other was killed in a shootout with police. A private security guard accompanying the Japanese nationals was apparently killed in the attack, while two bystanders were injured.
Japanese Nationals Secured
The Japanese nationals were promptly moved to a safe location under police custody.
Investigation, Speculation and Reactions
In the aftermath of the attack, authorities have launched investigations to identify the attackers and their motives. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault, leaving the door open to speculation. Suspicion regarding involvement of a separatist group or the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, known for targeting security forces, is possible.
Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack and praised the police for their swift response.
Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, seeking details about the attackers, their facilitators and the explosives used. The provincial government also directed immediate security arrangements for all foreign nationals in Sindh. A high-security alert was issued across the province, with increased security measures at mosques, public spaces and random patrolling throughout the province.
Precedent
This attack comes a month after a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Unlike previous attacks targeting Chinese workers involved in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, this is the first known instance of Japanese nationals being targeted.
