A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Mao Ning, stated that she was unaware of reports that Pakistani authorities were attempting to restrict the movements of Chinese citizens during the SCO meeting next week due to a security risk posed by militant groups targeting them.
Ning made this comment amid reports that Pakistani authorities had made that decision, citing three security officials and an internal security note.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said in a statement on Monday that two of its citizens had died, one had been injured, and that there had been “some local casualties.”
Head of the state Shehbaz visited the Chinese International safe haven to meet with Diplomat Jiang Zaidong and expanded his sympathies over the assault, while on Wednesday, police enrolled a FIR against heads of the BLA.
The police believe that, among other things, the BLA aimed to sabotage relations between Pakistan and China by targeting Chinese nationals, allegedly with the assistance of a hostile foreign intelligence agency.
At the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), SHO Moosa Kaleem Khan of the Airport Police Station filed the FIR.
The FIR says that the suicide bomber hit a convoy of Chinese nationals near the CAA guard room at the outer signal of the airport with an explosive-laden Toyota Hilux.
The BLA claimed responsibility for the bombing through its spokesperson, Jeeand Baloch, according to security agencies. Co-accused in the case have been named by the police, including BLA commander Bashir Ahmed alias Bashir Zeb and Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Gul.
According to the FIR, the suicide bomber was brainwashed by BLA leaders to carry out the attack on Chinese nationals and security personnel.
The separatist group, which is thought to have support from a foreign intelligence agency, wanted to harm relations between Pakistan and China, spread terrorism, destabilize Pakistan’s economy and security, and make money.
Additionally, the aim of the attack was to inspire public fear and undermine security institutions’ morale.
Sections 302, 353, 324, 186, and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code, sections 3 and 4 of the 1908 Explosive Substances Act, and sections 7, 11-F, and 21-I of the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act have all been cited by the police.
To ensure the safety and protection of delegates attending the SCO summit, the federal government announced on Monday that the capital would be closed for three days beginning on October 14.
“The Prime Minister has been pleased to declare the 14th, 15th, and 16th of October 2024 (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) as closed holidays within the territorial limits of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Rawalpindi District to facilitate the smooth conduct of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government,” according to the notification that was issued by the Cabinet Division.
