Beijing: China on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly attack on a mosque in Islamabad, expressing solidarity with Pakistan and pledging firm support for the government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability.
Zardari Says Neighbouring Countries Complicit in Terrorism Against Pakistan
“China is deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Islamabad and the heavy casualties it has inflicted. China mourns for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that China “strongly condemns the attack, opposes any form of terrorism, and firmly supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security and stability and protecting the safety of the people.”
The condemnation follows a suicide attack at the Imambargah and Mosque Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, which left at least 33 people martyred and dozens injured.
According to investigators, the suicide bomber opened fire before detonating himself at the entrance of the imambargah. Authorities recovered the suspected attacker’s identity card from the blast site, identifying him as Yasir, 32, a resident of Peshawar, according to the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
Investigators said the attacker had been living in Afghanistan for the past five months, where he reportedly received training in weapons handling and suicide bombing.
Turkiye Condoles Loss of Lives
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, thanking Ankara for its support following the attack.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Fidan conveyed condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish government and people over the tragic loss of lives.
Dar expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s solidarity and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens. Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations and key regional and international developments.
Investigation Details Emerge
Meanwhile, investigations into the blast have revealed that the suicide attacker fired multiple shots before detonating his explosive vest inside the mosque. Sources said approximately four kilogrammes of explosive material were used, containing a large number of ball bearings.
The attacker allegedly wore the suicide jacket in Nowshera and travelled to Islamabad using public transport. Before the attack, he reportedly spent some time at a nearby hotel before walking to the mosque from Khanna Road.
Investigators further revealed that the attacker conducted reconnaissance of the mosque on February 2 and had travelled to Afghanistan in May before returning in June. After his return, he activated a new mobile SIM card in Bajaur.
Mastermind Arrested
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the mastermind of the attack, linked to the banned Daesh group, had been arrested along with the attacker’s facilitators.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said the arrests were made during raids in Peshawar and Nowshera shortly after the attack. He alleged that the funding and targeting of terrorist outfits were being provided by India.
He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, arrested all individuals connected to the attack. During the operations, one KP police officer was martyred and several others were injured.
