Two policemen were martyred and a security guard injured in an attack outside the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton Block-4 on Friday morning, police said.
Up to four gunmen tried to enter the consulate but were intercepted by security guards at a checkpoint, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Karachi Javed Alam Odho said. Retaliatory firing resulted in martyrdom of two police officials, he added.
All the staff inside the Chinese consulate is safe, security sources said.
Jinnah Hospital spokesperson Dr Seemi Jamali confirmed that two bodies were brought to the hospital and said the injured guard is in critical condition.
Two attackers were killed and suicide jackets and weapons were recovered from their possession, police further told.
Three suspected suicide bombers were killed before they were able to enter the facility as forces successfully foiled the attack, Karachi Police Chief Dr Amir Shaikh said.
"There were three attackers and all three have been killed.They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the Karachi police chief said while speaking to the media outside the consulate.
“The men came to the consulate in a car which was loaded with explosives," he added.
Nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov bullets, magazines and explosives were recovered from the possession of the terrorists, police said. "Food supplies and medicines were also recovered from their possession," officials added.
Sources said that two civilians were also killed in the attack. "A man and his son who were visiting the embassy to apply for Chinese visas were killed in the attack," sources said.
All the staff inside the Chinese consulate remained safe, officials said.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the attack outside the Chinese consulate in Karachi and directed authorities to ensure security of the staff present inside.