Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the attack, saying he has ordered an investigation. He vowed in a statement that such incidents will never undermine Pakistan’s relations with China.

He also lauded Karachi police and the paramilitary ranger forces, saying they showed exceptional courage in defending the consulate, adding that “the nation salutes the martyrs”.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi also condemned the attack and said police and security forces responded promptly and eliminated all the attackers.

He told Wang that Pakistan will take all necessary measures to eliminate terrorist violence and will protect the safety of Chinese in the country, just as it protects its own citizens.

The attackers stormed the consulate shortly after 9 am during business hours. They first opened fire at consulate guards and then managed to breach the main gate and enter the building, said Mohammad Ashfaq, the local police chief.

Pakistani security forces quickly surrounded the area. Local TV images showed smoke rising from the building, which also serves as the residence of Chinese diplomats and other staff members. The situation was brought under control around an hour after the shootout began.