Car bomb attack outside a luxury hotel in Pakistan

A car bomb exploded in a hotel parking lot in Quetta, a metropolis in southwestern Pakistan, killing and wounding many people. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

A fire ignited in front of the Serena Hotel in Quetta

Pakistani police said that at least four people were killed in the explosion on the evening of April 21, and another 12 were injured. A number of cars caught fire and exploded. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (Sheikh Rashid Ahmed) said that a Chinese delegation led by the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan may be the target of the attack. He revealed that the delegation stayed at the Serena Hotel but was not there when the explosion occurred. This hotel with strict security measures is located near the Iranian Consulate and Provincial Assembly Building.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin confirmed at a regular press conference on Thursday (April 22) that when the hotel in Pakistan’s Balochistan was attacked, the Chinese delegation was not inside the hotel because it was out for activities. Up to now, no reports of casualties of Chinese citizens in the attack have been received. Wang Wenbin also pointed out that China strongly condemns the terrorist attack and expresses condolences to the unfortunate victims. "I believe that Pakistan will be able to find out the truth and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan."

Pakistani Interior Minister Ahmed said that a Chinese delegation led by the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan may be the target of the attack.

The main branch of the Islamic activist Taliban in Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. The organization issued a statement on WhatsApp stating that the target of the attack was a senior official. Until 2014, the organization created a series of serious terrorist incidents in Pakistan and attacked, kidnapped, and killed Chinese citizens.

Quetta is the capital of the troubled Balochistan province. The province borders Afghanistan and Iran. There, not only the Taliban, but also insurgents fighting for the province’s autonomy or independence also attacked security forces and local Chinese-funded infrastructure. Most of the violent incidents are believed to be the insurgents’ reaction to Beijing’s investment plans in the region. According to related plans, China’s Xinjiang region and Balochistan will be connected to the Arabian Sea through a road and rail network.
Within the framework of the commonly known New Silk Road "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" project, China has invested a total of US$62 billion in Pakistan's energy and transportation sectors. In this way, Beijing hopes to ensure access to the Middle East, European and African markets via the shortest land and sea routes.