Bomb Attack at Hotel Where Chinese Ambassador Stayed in Pakistan... 4 Dead

Ambassador Nongrong Not Present at the Site... Schedule Currently Proceeding Normally

Police officers and firefighters responding to the scene of a bomb attack at a hotel in Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, on the 21st (local time)
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] At least four people were killed and 11 injured in a bomb attack at a hotel in southwestern Pakistan where the Chinese ambassador was staying.

On the 21st (local time), major foreign media reported that one of the injured was a police officer and that several were seriously wounded.

The attack occurred in the parking lot of Serena Hotel in Quetta, Balochistan province. The explosion reportedly happened shortly after a vehicle loaded with explosives entered the parking lot. The police told local media ARY News, "A car filled with explosives exploded at the hotel."

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack a few hours later. A Taliban spokesperson said in a text message to the media, "(This incident) was a suicide attack carried out by our suicide bomber who detonated his vehicle full of explosives at the hotel."

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Pakistan's Interior Minister, stated, "Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong was staying at Serena Hotel, but he was not at the scene when the attack occurred." Liaquat Shwani, spokesperson for the provincial government, said the Chinese ambassador met with Jam Kamal, the governor of Balochistan, that day.

In fact, Ambassador Nong Rong is reported to be continuing his schedule normally. On the 22nd, the day after the attack, Nong Rong posted a photo on Twitter visiting the Rashakai Economic Zone. The Balochistan Interior Minister also stated that Ambassador Nong Rong and his delegation would complete their visit to Quetta as planned.

It has not been confirmed whether the attack targeted Ambassador Nong Rong and his delegation. However, foreign media noted that previously the Pakistani Taliban or nationalist groups have attacked Chinese nationals or facilities in Balochistan. Currently, the Gwadar Port in Balochistan is a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (the overland and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe), and many Chinese nationals reside in the area.

On the other hand, there are claims that the attack may not have been aimed at China but could be a conflict between terrorist groups. Foreign media added that besides the Taliban, groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Islamic State (IS) affiliates are also active in Balochistan, making it difficult to immediately identify the perpetrators. Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is rich in mineral resources and has ongoing uprisings by regional nationalists seeking greater control. Therefore, there is speculation that the attack may have been a conflict between these terrorist groups.