Beijing, Feb 8, 2026 — China strongly condemned Friday’s suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 160, and pledged support for Pakistan in its efforts to maintain national security and stability, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Sunday.
The attack occurred during Friday prayers at the Imambargah Khadija Tul Kubra in the Tarlai area on the outskirts of Islamabad, when a gunman opened fire at the entrance before detonating explosives among worshippers, authorities said.
At least 31 killed, 169 injured in suicide blast at Islamabad imambargah
The explosion was one of the deadliest in the capital in years and prompted tightened security and widespread mourning.
Deadly blast and aftermath
Officials said emergency responders treated more than 160 wounded at hospitals across Islamabad, some in critical condition. Thousands of mourners gathered over the weekend to bury victims and express grief, while authorities arrested several people suspected of assisting the attacker as part of investigations into the incident.
Islamabad’s defense and federal health ministers confirmed the scale of casualties and pledged to bring those responsible to justice. Leaders across Pakistan, including the president and prime minister, condemned the blast as an attack on innocent worshippers and ordered increased security at religious sites.
China’s response and regional implications
China’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply shocked” by the violence and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to preserve peace and stability. The statement underscored China’s broader interest in regional security cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistani officials have not publicly identified a group claiming responsibility, though preliminary reports from authorities and media outlets suggest potential links to extremist networks. Investigations remain ongoing as security forces work to prevent further attacks.
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