An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi has sentenced a member of the banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) to a total of 48 years in prison for a 2021 attack on a car carrying two Chinese engineers. The BLF terrorist jailed verdict was announced on Friday, with the court ruling that all sentences will run concurrently.
BLF Terrorist Jailed: The 2021 Attack
The two Chinese engineers and their local driver were travelling from Defence to the SITE area on July 28, 2021. Near Gulbai Bridge, an armed pillion rider opened fire on the vehicle and fled. One of the foreigners was wounded in several parts of his body, while the others remained safe. The banned BLF later claimed responsibility for the attack.
What the Court Decided
The judge of ATC-IV convicted the accused on seven counts. He was sentenced to 14 years for terrorism, 10 years each for attempted murder and possession of an illegal weapon, and a further 14 years for causing injuries to the victim. The court ruled that all sentences run concurrently and that the case file will remain dormant until co-accused persons are arrested.
The court observed that the attack on foreign nationals was “motivated by ethnic considerations and intended to incite hatred against foreign nationals, create internal disturbance and foment violence within the country.”
How the Accused Was Caught
Sindh’s Deputy Prosecutor General Iqbal Meo Rajput said the accused, Dad Bux, was arrested in the university bomb blast case, in which he allegedly carried out surveillance and reconnaissance of the varsity at the behest of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). That case is still in trial. During initial interrogation, he allegedly confessed that in 2021 he and co-accused Nasir Baloch had attacked the Chinese engineers.
What Happens Next
The case against the co-accused remains pending until they are arrested. The verdict also sends a message on the security of foreign nationals working in Pakistan. Updates on counter-terrorism policy are available from the Ministry of Interior.
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