China, Turkiye condemn Islamabad suicide blast, pledge support against terror

China and Turkiye on Sunday expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the imambargah bomb blast in Islamabad.

In Friday’s attack a man opened fire at the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah compound on the outskirts of the federal capital, then detonated a bomb that killed 32 people, as well as himself, and injured more than 170.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Islamabad on Saturday to start burying the people killed in the suicide bombing, as the city tightened security and authorities arrested four people believed to have helped the bomber.

The spokesperson for Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “China is deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Pakistan’s capital 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.”

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 official added.

READ MORE: At least 31 killed, 169 injured in blast at Islamabad imambargah

Separately, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the latter conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, himself, and the brotherly people of Türkiye over the tragic loss of precious lives in the mosque bomb blast in Islamabad, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said in a statement.

FM Dar thanked the Turkish leadership for their solidarity and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unshaken resolve to combat terrorism and protect its civilians.

“Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and key regional and international developments,” the FO said.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, the deadliest of its kind in Islamabad in more than a decade, in a statement on the Telegram messaging app, Reuters reported.

Security forces continue raids

The bomber had a history of travelling to Afghanistan, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted on Friday on X, blaming neighbouring India for sponsoring the assault.

India’s foreign ministry condemned the mosque attack and rejected allegations of its involvement.

Minister of Interior Moshin Naqvi told a press conference that four people, including the alleged mastermind of the attack, had been arrested following an operation in Peshawar and Nowshera. During the operation one counter-terrorism officer was killed and three more were wounded, he said.

“Yesterday’s suicide attack has rattled us,” he added.

While bombings are rare in heavily guarded Islamabad, this is the second such attack in three months and – given a recent rise in militancy – they have triggered fears of a return to violence in Pakistan’s major urban centres.

Security was visibly beefed up across the city, with police checkpoints set up on all main roads and streets leading to important sites. Police and elite commandos stood guard as funeral prayers for some of the victims were held in an open area near the Imambargah.

The government had boosted Islamabad’s security and would be taking further steps to make sure it was “foolproof”, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.