In Karachi’s Landhi area, five Japanese nationals escaped unharmed after their vehicle was targeted by a suicide bomber, police reported on Friday. The incident occurred near Murtaza Chorangi, with the Japanese nationals travelling in a Hiace van, accompanied by a private security guard who sustained injuries in the attack. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East Azfar Mahesar confirmed that one terrorist was killed in the incident.
The Japanese nationals were enroute from their residence in Zamzama, Clifton, to the Export Processing Zone when the attack took place, according to DIG Mahesar. Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) DIG Asif Aijaz Shaikh stated that the Japanese nationals, accompanied by two security guards, were travelling in the van when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle struck them. However, all five Japanese nationals remained safe.
Furthermore, DIG Shaikh mentioned that another “suicide bomber” present for “back up” was neutralised by a Sharafi Goth police party patrolling the area. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, despite the fact that the vehicle carrying the Japanese nationals was bullet-proof.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has instructed the inspector general to submit a comprehensive report on the incident, including details about the perpetrators, their origins, any accomplices, and information about the explosives used. CM Murad emphasised the importance of ensuring the security of foreign nationals and vowed to thwart any attempts by anti-national elements to disrupt law and order.
In response to the attack, Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon condemned the incident and praised the timely action of the police, stating that such nefarious actions by terrorists would not be allowed to succeed.
Today’s attack follows a similar incident less than a month ago, in which five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were attacked and killed in a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus, traveling from Islamabad to Kohistan, had come under attack on the Karakoram Highway, according to police reports.