Two policemen were killed in an attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi’s Clifton area, DawnNewsTV reported on Friday. The policemen lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire that took place around 9.30 am. According to DNTV, an explosion, whose nature has not been determined yet, was also heard in the area.
One person, whose identity has not been ascertained, has also been admitted to the hospital in critical condition, DawnNewsTV said.
Additional Inspector General of Police Dr Amir Ahmed Shaikh said that the firing has ended and the area is now being cleared by police and Rangers. Further details will be given later in the day.
“Police, rangers were all on duty when the attack happened. The attackers… weren’t able to enter the Chinese embassy compound. Three were killed. A Bomb Disposal Squad team is checking the area for explosive materials.” the AIG said while reiterating that the details of the case will be shared with the media later in the day.
Defence contractor and analyst Ikram Sehgal, whose guards have been posted at the consulate, said that the attackers first exchanged fire with police.
“After the policemen were martyred, they proceeded towards the gate of the consulate. However, the guards quickly closed the gate, civilians with consular business were ushered inside and the Chinese staff were taken to a safe location,” Seghal said while speaking to DawnNewsTV.
Shortly after the incident, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi condemned the incident and praised the way the attack was handled by the forces.
“This was a sad incident. The two terrorists involved in the incident have been killed. We are in contact with the Chinese consul general,” the foreign minister said.
He added: “Pakistan and China together will defeat the forces that wish to halt development [in the country].”
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail has taken notice of the incident and called for a report on the matter from the Sindh inspector general of police, DawnNewsTV said.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also taken notice of the incident. He contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control.
According to DawnNewsTV, the area is considered a red zone and is already heavily guarded. The schools and eateries located in the area have been locked down until the area is cleared.
According to Geo News, three attackers have also been killed. Reuters reported that the Balochistan Liberation Army, a Pakistani insurgent group has claimed responsibility of the attack.
Jiand Baloch, a member of the Balochistan Liberation Army told Reuters, “There were three suicide attackers of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which also describes itself as the Baloch Liberation Army. They stormed the Chinese embassy in Karachi. China is exploiting our resources.”
