Pakistan: 3 Chinese nationals among 4 dead in Karachi University blast

Islamabad, April 26 (UNI) There were three Chinese nationals among the four dead in the blast that took place outside Karachi University’s Confucius Institute, Dawn reported on Tuesday.
Sindh IG Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar confirmed the death toll in a telephone call with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The blast took place in a van at approximately 2:30pm.
A spokesperson for the university confirmed that three of the victims were Chinese nationals, identified as Confucius Institute Director Huang Guiping, Ding Mupeng, Chen Sa and Khalid, the driver.
The spokesperson added that two others, Wang Yuqing and Hamid, were injured in the incident.
Television footage showed a white van in flames with plumes of smoke rising from its remains while the windows of nearby buildings were shattered. The van appeared to be turning towards the Confucius Institute, located next to the commerce department, when the incident took place.
Speaking to the media, DIG East Muqaddas Haider, said initial information showed the van was headed to the institute after leaving the hostel.
Footage also showed police and rescue services present at the scene of the incident.
The DIG however, said it is too early to say anything definitively about the nature of the blast. Haider said CCTV footage was being analysed and the nature of the blast would only be confirmed after the bomb disposal squad submitted its report.
Chief Minister meanwhile directed the Counter-Terrorism Department and SSP East to immediately reach the incident site.
Shah also issued directives for the injured to be shifted to Dow University Hospital and asked the Karachi commissioner to submit a report.