Karachi: Five Japanese nationals narrowly escaped death when their vehicle was targeted by militants in a suicide bombing attack in the capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province on Friday, marking the latest attack on foreign nationals in the country. Police said the militants on a motorbike attempted to ram into the van carrying the Japanese nationals, prompting the security guards to shoot dead one while the other blew himself up in Karachi.
Islamist militants seeking to overthrow the government and set up their own strict brand of Islamic rule have launched some of Pakistan’s bloodiest attacks during the last few years, with some separatist groups targeting foreigners, including Chinese. The Japanese nationals were reportedly working with Pakistan Suzuki Motors, near Murtaza Chorangi in Landhi, and were on their way to the Export Processing Zone from their residence in Zamzama, Clifton, said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East Azfar Mahesar. While all five of them were safe, a private security guard and two passers-by were injured in the clash with the militants.