Chinese man killed in Karachi

A GUNMAN killed a Chinese national and wounded two others in an attack in Pakistan last Wednesday (28), police said.

The attack happened in Karachi that neighbours Balochistan.

Chinese nationals and interests have regularly been targeted by separatist militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan, where Beijing is involved in lucrative mining and energy projects.

Police said they were investigating the motive but believed that the gunman was from the restive region. He “entered the clinic and sat waiting for treatment before he suddenly opened fire,” police said in a statement.

A husband and wife couple who owned the clinic were wounded in the shooting, while a man who was an employee was killed. “All were Chinese and Pakistani dual nationals,” the statement said, adding that the attacker did not hurt any ethnic Pakistanis.

China does not allow its citizens to have dual nationalities. Pakistan has a sizable Chinese diaspora, including communities who have resided in Karachi for several generations, as well as newer migrants in search of opportunities.

Interior minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack last Wednesday.

“Such incidents are intolerable,” he said in a tweet. “The security of Chinese residents should be ensured in every way.”

China is upgrading energy links and infrastructure as part of a $54 billion (£47bn) programme known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.