AdSense Advertisement

China condemns deadly Islamabad Mosque bombing

By The South Asia Times

BIEJING - China has strongly condemned the suicide bombing that tore through a Shia mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday, expressing deep shock and solidarity with Islamabad’s efforts to maintain security.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said it mourns the victims and “opposes any form of terrorism,” pledging firm support for Pakistan’s government in protecting its citizens and preserving national stability.

The explosion at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque during Friday prayers killed at least 31 worshippers and wounded more than 160 --one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in recent memory.

Authorities say the attacker opened fire before detonating explosives at the entrance, and Pakistan’s security forces have arrested four suspects, including the alleged mastermind.

The Pakistani government has vowed to respond decisively to the attack, with senior officials linking the bombing to militant networks operating from Afghanistan, and said India was behind these attacks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the bomber had received training in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s defence officials said that militant groups based across the border in Afghanistan and supported by India bear responsibility.

The attack, claimed by Daesh, was apparently an attempt to create sectarian violence in Pakistan by targeting a Shia religious site, but failed.

In addition to China, several other countries -- including the United States, European Union, United Nations, and Turkiye -- have condemned the bombing and expressed sympathy with Pakistan, calling for robust counterterrorism cooperation.