ISLAMABAD: China on Sunday strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week, expressing full support for Pakistan’s efforts to ensure national security and stability.
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was deeply shocked by the deadly attack and the loss of precious lives. China extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
“China strongly condemns this attack, firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and fully supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security, social stability and the safety of its people,” the statement said.
The suicide bombing took place on Friday at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, after Friday prayers. More than 30 worshippers were martyred, and over 100 others sustained injuries.
Police said the suicide bomber was intercepted at the gate of the imambargah, where he detonated his explosive device. Footage from the site showed extensive damage, with bodies and debris scattered inside the prayer hall and injured people lying outside as rescue teams rushed to assist.
The attack sparked nationwide grief and condemnation from political leaders, religious scholars and the public, while several countries also expressed solidarity with Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said security agencies carried out swift and coordinated operations following the attack, resulting in the arrest of four facilitators, including the mastermind, during overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the mastermind was an Afghan national affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) and that the terrorist network involved in the attack had been dismantled.
Naqvi added that a police assistant sub-inspector embraced martyrdom during the operations, while several security personnel were injured.
Investigations into the attack are continuing.
