Police confirmed on Friday that five Japanese nationals remained unharmed after their vehicle was targeted by a suicide bomber in Karachi’s Landhi area. Police also reported that a guard and driver of the convoy and two terrorists involved in the attack were killed.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East Azfar Mahesar told Dawn.com that the incident occurred near Murtaza Chowrangi in Landhi, adding that the five foreign nationals were traveling in a Hiace van.
“All five Japanese remained safe. However, the private security guard with them was injured,” he said, adding that one terrorist was killed.
“The Japanese nationals were on their way to the Export Processing Zone from their residence in Zamzama, Clifton,” he said.
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) DIG Asif Aijaz Shaikh told Dawn.com that the Japanese nationals were traveling in a van along with two security guards when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle hit them.
“All five Japanese nationals are safe,” DIG Shaikh said. He further mentioned that another “suicide bomber” who was there for “back up” was gunned down by a Sharafi Goth police party patrolling the area.
“No one has claimed responsibility so far,” the DIG said, adding that the vehicle carrying the Japanese nationals was bulletproof.
Speaking to the media at the scene, CTD in-charge Raja Umar Khattab said that the Japanese nationals were traveling in a convoy of three cars.
“The suicide bomber and his accomplice were already present in the area. When they saw the cars, the suicide bomber attacked,” he said. The official further stated that the attacker’s accomplice “panicked” as the suicide attack did not achieve its objective and began open firing.
He said that officials gunned down the second terrorist. “From what I checked, the terrorist fired about 15 rounds. Other than that, he also had some grenades,” he said.
He reiterated that the foreign nationals were unharmed, adding that timely action by police and security guards had thwarted the attack. He said that the perpetrators had conducted reconnaissance before carrying out the attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and prayed for the recovery of the injured, according to a statement posted on X.
“Timely action by the police saved us from any major loss of life,” he said.
“We will not rest until terrorism has been completely eradicated. We will thwart every nefarious act of disturbing the law and order situation,” the premier said.
President Asif Ali Zardari also commended the police’s timely action against the terrorists. In a statement carried by Radio Pakistan, he said that timely action by police prevented major casualties.
He expressed the firm commitment to collectively wipe out terrorists.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly condemned the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, according to a statement on X by the party’s official account.
He expressed the hope that the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice. “Foreign nationals are our guests, and respecting and protecting guests is our national slogan,” he said.
He emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Japan were of utmost importance, and the enemies of both countries were trying to ruin these ties.
Today’s incident comes less than a month after five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed in a suicide bombing in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police, the bus was traveling from Islamabad to Kohistan when it came under the attack on Karakoram Highway.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah directed the inspector general to submit a report after investigating the attack, including details on who the terrorists were, where they came from, any information on their facilitators, and details of explosives used in the blast.
He directed that immediate arrangements be made for the security of the foreign nationals.
“Anti-national elements want to disrupt law and order, which will not be allowed at any cost,” the CM said, praising the timely action of the police.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon strongly condemned the attack. “The timely action of the police has foiled the ambitions of the terrorists,” Memon said in a statement.
“The nefarious actions of the terrorists will not be allowed to succeed,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also directed that the security personnel injured while escorting the Japanese nationals receive immediate medical treatment.
He ordered the Karachi additional IG to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and submit a report. “No one will be allowed to sabotage the law and order situation,” Lanjar said.
A separate statement said that Lanjar had issued a high-security alert across Sindh until further notice.
With regards to Friday prayers, foolproof security arrangements should be made at mosques, Imambargahs, and other open spaces, he said.
District senior superintendent of police (SSPs) and sub-divisional police officers have been called into the field, while station house officers have been directed to be alert and diligent in security measures, he said.
Additionally, focus should be given to random snap checking, picketing, and patrolling, Lanjhar said. He further directed that security deployment should be made prominent, while communication strategies should be integrated and effective.
