BEIJING: China has strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan and reaffirming its support for efforts to ensure national security and public safety.
In a statement issued on Sunday, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was deeply disturbed by the deadly explosion and the loss of innocent lives. “China is shocked by the tragic incident in Islamabad that resulted in heavy casualties. We extend our condolences to the victims and express our sympathy to the injured and bereaved families,” the statement read.
Beijing reiterated its firm opposition to terrorism in all forms and emphasized that it stands resolutely with the Pakistani government in maintaining stability, security, and the protection of its citizens.
The statement followed Friday’s devastating attack at Imambargah and Mosque Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during congregational prayers, which claimed the lives of at least 33 worshippers and left dozens wounded.
According to investigators, the assailant first opened fire before detonating his suicide vest at the entrance of the imambargah. Authorities recovered an identity card from the blast site identifying the attacker as Yasir, 32, a resident of Peshawar, as verified through the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
Security officials disclosed that the suspect had been residing in Afghanistan for approximately five months, where he reportedly underwent training in firearms and suicide bombing techniques.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing, with officials uncovering new details. Sources revealed that the attacker fired two shots while approaching the mosque and another six inside the prayer hall before triggering the explosion. Nearly four kilogrammes of explosives were used, packed with ball bearings to maximize damage.
The attacker is believed to have donned the suicide jacket in Nowshera before travelling to Islamabad via public transport. Sources said he spent some time at a nearby hotel prior to walking to the mosque from Khanna Road. Investigators also confirmed that he had conducted surveillance of the mosque on February 2.
Further findings indicate that the suspect travelled to Afghanistan in May and returned in June, after which he activated a new SIM card in Bajaur.
Mastermind arrested
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the alleged mastermind of the attack, linked to the banned militant group Daesh, has been apprehended along with several facilitators.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said swift operations carried out by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department in Peshawar and Nowshera led to the arrests shortly after the bombing.
He claimed that terrorist groups involved in such attacks are receiving financial backing from India and that their targets are being directed externally. Naqvi added that all suspects connected to the incident are now in custody, following coordinated efforts by CTD and other law enforcement agencies.
During the operations, one KP police officer was martyred, while several others sustained injuries, the interior minister confirmed.
