Twin terror attacks hit Pakistan, PM Imran Khan says terrorists will not succeed

Karachi witnessed a major attack when at least two security personnel were killed as three terrorists attempted to enter the Chinese consulate in the city with observers linking it to the insurgency in Balochistan and the resistance to Chinese investment in the region seeking freedom from Pakistan.

Media reports said the firing was heard at around 09:30 am. Three gunmen tried to enter the Consulate but they were stopped by the security guards. 

Two policemen lost their lives due to multiple injuries caused by explosive material, while a private security guard was injured in the blast, Dr Seemin Jamali, JPMC Executive Director, told Dawn.

The police officers were identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Ashraf Dawood and Constable Amir, while the private security guard was identified as Muhammad Juman, according to police, reported the news channel.

Security forces killed the three terrorists involved in the incident and prevented them from entering the consulate.

E-Street neighbourhood is considered as a crucial area in the Pakistani city as it is home to a number of upscale restaurants, diplomatic missions and schools. 

The schools in the area were locked down following the attack.

The area was cordoned off.

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the incident, media reports said.

All the staff inside the consulate are reportedly safe. 

"We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Geand Baloch, told news agency AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location, said reports..

Chinese investment projects in Balochistan are resisted by the groups in the region which is wracked by an insurgency for separation from Pakistan. Balochistan is at the heart of  Chinese investments in the infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

China is now a close ally of Pakistan and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is one of the highly publicized projects under Beijing's "One Belt One Road" initiative, which the Chinese government calls  "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future", involving 65 nations to build a network of roads and sea routes.

India, which has a difficult relationship with both China and Pakistan, has not joined the project.

Orakzai Blast:

In another incident, at least 30 people were killed as a blast rocked a marketplace in Pakistan's Lower Orakzai area on Friday, media reports said.

The blast left 40 others hurt.

Security sources told Geo News that the blast occurred outside the door of a religious seminary which was located in Kalaya, a town in Orakzai agency. 

"Three children were among those killed in the blast," sources told the Pakistan-based news channel.

"The remote-controlled bomb was attached to a motorcycle," security sources said, adding "People were in the market buying warm clothes when the bomb went off," sources further said.

The injured people were rushed to hospital for treatment.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari condemned the blast and posted: "Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area - 25 people killed and 35 injured. Toll could rise. As the US fails in Afghanistan Pak shd be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially esp protection of our ppl." 

Imran Khan condemns:

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan   condemned the attacks in Karachi and Orakzai areas of the country and said they were done with the intention of creating unrest in the nation.

Khan tweeted: "Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate."

Khan said: "I am absolutely clear both these attacks are part of a planned campaign to create unrest in the country by those who do not want Pakistan to prosper. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes."

He further said: "The failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was clearly a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed."

Imran Khan took oath as Pakistan's PM this year.

His PTI clinched victory in the general polls in the Asian nation.

India also condemn attack on Chinese consulate:

India condemned" the terrorist attack on the #ChineseConsulate in #Karachi on Friday morning in which two policemen were killed and one security guard was injured.

"We condole the loss of lives in this dastardly attack. There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

India said such acts only strengthens the resolve to combat terrorism.

"There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. The perpetrators of this heinous act should be brought to justice expeditiously. Such terrorist attacks only strengthens the resolve of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,"the statement said.