Suicide bomber targets Japanese workers in Pakistan, foreigners escape unhurt

According to police reports, five Japanese autoworkers narrowly escaped a suicide bombing incident in Karachi, the port city in Pakistan. The attacker detonated his explosive-laden vest near a van transporting the workers to an industrial area, where they were employed at Pakistan Suzuki Motors.

 Local police chief Arshad Awan confirmed that the Japanese nationals were the intended targets of the attack but fortunately remained unharmed. In response, police accompanying the Japanese retaliated, engaging in gunfire that resulted in the death of an accomplice of the suicide bomber.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the swift response of the police, vowing to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of all residents and foreign nationals. They also extended their prayers for the quick recovery of three bystanders injured in the attack, who are currently in stable condition at a nearby hospital.

Senior Pakistan police officer Tariq Mastoi revealed that the police were escorting the van in response to intelligence indicating potential threats against foreigners, particularly those involved in Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan. Thanks to the prompt action of the guards and police, the attack was thwarted, resulting in the neutralization of both attackers.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the incident, suspicion points towards small separatist groups or the Pakistani Taliban, known for targeting security forces in recent years. Additionally, insurgents have previously targeted Chinese workers involved in projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a significant initiative encompassing various megaprojects like road construction and power plants.

Notably, this incident marks the first instance of Japanese workers being targeted in Pakistan. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan and the capital of Sindh province, has been the site of the attack.