Beijing on Sunday condemned a deadly suicide bombing and shooting at a Shi’ite mosque in Islamabad, describing the incident as “deeply shocking” and pledging support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security and stability. The statement from the Chinese foreign ministry came after one of the worst militant attacks in the capital in years.
The attack occurred on Friday afternoon at the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah, a Shi’ite mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area, as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. Witnesses said the attacker opened fire at the mosque’s gates before detonating a suicide vest, killing at least 31 people and injuring around 170 others, many of them in critical condition.
An affiliate of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the bombing on its encrypted Telegram channel, releasing an image purportedly showing the masked attacker armed before the blast. Pakistani authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the assault, including an alleged mastermind, during raids in the northwestern cities of Peshawar and Nowshera.
The attack has deepened fears of sectarian violence in Pakistan, where the Shi’ite minority has frequently been targeted by Islamic extremists. Thousands of mourners gathered under heavy security on Saturday to bury the victims, with funeral prayers held near the mosque compound amid heightened security checks across Islamabad.
Pakistan’s defence and political leaders have condemned the assault as a “cowardly act of terrorism,” vowing to bring those responsible to justice. The United Nations and several countries have also condemned the attack and offered condolences.
China’s statement underscored Beijing’s support for Islamabad’s struggle against terrorism and reiterated ties between the two countries as Pakistan continues efforts to prevent further militant violence.