Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended condolences to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari after a deadly bombing and shooting attack at a Shi’ite mosque in Islamabad, state media reported Monday, as world leaders condemned the violence and pledged support for Pakistan.
Xi “strongly condemned violence and terrorist acts against innocent civilians” and reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism, the state-run Xinhua news agency said. The message was conveyed in a letter of sympathy addressed to Zardari.
The comments followed a suicide bombing and gun attack at the Khadija Al-Kubra Shi’ite mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area of Islamabad last Friday, which killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 160 others during Friday prayers. The explosion was one of the deadliest attacks in the Pakistani capital in over a decade.
International condemnation has poured in. The United States embassy in Islamabad called all acts of terror “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. The United Kingdom, European Union, Turkey, Iran and other foreign missions also denounced the attack and extended sympathies to victims and their families.
Pakistan’s own leaders condemned the bombing as a “crime against humanity,” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directing law enforcement to identify and punish those responsible. President Zardari praised the international community for its expressions of support.
The attack has heightened tensions in the region. Pakistan’s Defence Minister claimed the bomber received training in Afghanistan, allegations denied by Kabul. Pakistan also suggested external support for militant networks, which India and Afghanistan have dismissed as baseless.
Islamabad authorities have arrested several suspects linked to the attack and intensified security operations in and around the capital. Hospitals remain at heightened alert as the wounded receive treatment and authorities continue investigations.