KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) – In a significant overnight operation, Pakistani security forces killed three suspected militants in Karachi who were allegedly involved in a November 2024 attack that injured two Chinese nationals employed at a textile mill in the southern port city. Officials disclosed that during this raid, the Counter-Terrorism Department targeted high-profile insurgents, including the purported mastermind identified only as Zafran. Zafran is reportedly affiliated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that has established ties with the Afghan Taliban, which regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
The attack on the Chinese nationals prompted heightened concerns regarding the safety of Chinese workers involved in major infrastructure projects linked to Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative encompasses a range of projects, including roads, railways, and power plants, enhancing connectivity between China and Pakistan. In response to the persistent threats faced by its nationals, China has pressed Pakistan to enhance security measures for its citizens, particularly those engaged in significant commercial ventures.
Militant groups, such as the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army, have increasingly targeted Chinese nationals, raising alarms among foreign investors and the Chinese government. The Balochistan Liberation Army is recognized as a banned militant organization in Pakistan and is also designated as a terrorist group by the United States. In light of these alarming incidents, the Pakistani government has made assurances to fortify security protocols for Chinese workers, extending these measures to private factories employing Chinese nationals.
In a separate incident, violence erupted in Tirah Valley, located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. Local government official Fiaz Khan reported that the chaos ensued when hundreds of residents congregated outside a military camp to demand protection and justice following a mortar attack that killed a child over the weekend. The situation escalated as the crowd was met with gunfire from “unknown gunmen.”
According to Khan, demonstrators alleged that security forces fired upon them after some individuals began throwing stones at the military installation. However, the police have yet to ascertain the origin of the gunfire that led to the fatalities. Khan also mentioned that gunfire was documented from nearby hills, prompting police officials to suspect that the TTP may have orchestrated the attack to incite discord between the local community and military forces.
As a result of the tragic events in Tirah Valley, the government has ordered an investigation into the killings of the demonstrators. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in managing relationships with the local population amidst rising militant threats.
