ISLAMABAD: China on Sunday strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and reaffirming its support for Pakistan’s efforts to maintain national security and stability.
In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was “deeply shocked” by the explosion and the heavy casualties it caused. Moreover, China offered condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy to the injured, stressing its firm opposition to terrorism in all forms. The statement added that China fully supports the Pakistani government in protecting public safety and safeguarding stability.
The attack occurred on Friday inside Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area, near Lehtrar Road, an area often described as rural Islamabad. More than 30 people were killed and over 100 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives after Friday prayers.
Police officials said security personnel stopped the attacker at the mosque’s main gate, where he triggered the blast. Subsequently, footage from the scene showed bodies near the entrance and debris scattered inside the prayer hall, while dozens of wounded lay outside as bystanders sought help.
Arrests made as investigation widens
Following the attack, authorities launched overnight operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said four facilitators, including the mastermind, were arrested in raids in Peshawar and Nowshera. He added that multiple agencies coordinated the investigation and detained all key suspects before dawn.
Naqvi claimed the mastermind was an Afghan national linked to the Islamic State group and said the network behind the bombing had been dismantled. A KP police officer was martyred during the raids, while several personnel sustained injuries.
