Karachi Police Chief Amir Shaikh told media that the deadly incident took place at around 9:15 AM when three suspected suicide bombers carrying weapons and explosives tried to storm the consulate with intense gunfire targeting the entrance; however, the security officials intercepted them near the checkpost and successfully foiled the terror bid, killing all the attackers before they could enter the facility.
All the Chinese officials who work at the consulate remained safe, however; two policemen and two civilians lost their lives while a security guard received injuries. Eyewitness said that they heard blasts and heavy gunshots between 9:30am and 10am. AIG Amir Shaikh said that the attackers parked their vehicle at some distance from the consulate and moved towards the Consulate, however "They could not even get to the compound. They tried to get into the visa section."
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho said. "The men came to consulate in an explosive-laden car," he added. Following the incident, a heavy contingent of law enforcement agencies including police, Rangers and FC officials rushed to the site. They cordoned off the area and initiated investigations. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) officials collected evidence from the crime scene.
The victims were moved to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) for medico-legal formalities and treatment. The policemen were identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Ashraf Dawood and Constable Amir, while the private security guard was identified as Muhammad Juman. Meanwhile a father and son named Zahir Shah and Abdul Karim who came all the way from Quetta to apply Chinese Visa were also killed in this deadly assault.
The hospital sources said the policemen lost their lives due to multiple injuries caused by explosive material, while a private security guard was injured in the blast.
They said some nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov bullets, magazines and explosives were recovered from the possession of terrorists during the course of action. "Food supplies and medicines were also recovered," officials added. A Rangers spokesman told media that the search operation has been completed, adding that all diplomatic staff is secure. He also hailed Rangers, Police and FC personnel for their prompt action to safeguard the Consulate.
Sindh police chief Syed Kaleem Imam and Chief Minister Murad Shah paid a visit to the Chinese Consulate.
The Governor Sindh Imran Ismail also took notice of the attack and called for a report on the matter from the Sindh police chief. On Nov 17, two teenagers were killed and 12 injured as result of a blast in the Quaidabad area of the metropolis.