- Beijing reiterates its ‘firmly supports’ for Pakistan’s security and stability
- Ankara conveys Erdogan’s condolences, pledges solidarity
- FM Dar reaffirms unshaken resolve to combat terrorism and ensure protection of civilians
ISLAMABAD: China on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week, reaffirming its firm support for Pakistan in safeguarding national security and stability.
“China is deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and the heavy casualties it has inflicted. China mourns the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and to those who have lost their loved ones,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.
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… pic.twitter.com/Fy6IUWb55H
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) February 8, 2026
“China strongly condemns the attack, opposes all forms of terrorism, and firmly supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security and stability and in protecting the safety of the people,” it added.
Turkiye FM offers condolences over loss of life
Separately, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed heartfelt condolences over the loss of life during a telephone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
According to the FO, Fidan extended condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, himself, and the brotherly people of Turkiye following the attack.
Foreign Minister Dar thanked the Turkish leadership for its solidarity and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unshaken resolve to combat terrorism and ensure the protection of civilians.
“Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and key regional and international developments,” the FO added.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
FM @HakanFidan conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, himself, and the brotherly people of Türkiye over the… pic.twitter.com/XOrWR6W1iJ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 8, 2026
Suicide bombing during Jumma prayers
The suicide bombing occurred on Friday inside the mosque at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra, located in the Tarlai area of what is considered ‘rural Islamabad’, off Lehtrar Road. The attack left over 30 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Police officials said the blast took place after Friday prayers when the attacker was intercepted at the gate of the mosque, where he detonated his explosive payload.
Footage and photographs from the scene showed several bodies lying near the mosque’s main entrance, while debris and bloodstains were scattered across the red-carpeted prayer hall.
Dozens of wounded worshippers were also seen lying in the garden outside the mosque as frantic calls for help echoed through the area.
The brazen attack triggered an outpouring of grief nationwide and drew condemnations from world capitals, as well as from local political and religious groups.
Investigation and arrests
As investigations continue, authorities have pointed fingers at Afghanistan and India.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that four facilitators behind the suicide bombing, including the mastermind, had been arrested during overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said multiple agencies launched investigations immediately after the blast and conducted coordinated operations overnight.
“I want to praise our agencies and the Counter-Terrorism Department in KP that all the people linked to the blast, including the masterminds, were arrested before 3am,” Naqvi said.
According to the minister, raids were carried out in Peshawar and Nowshera, leading to the arrest of the facilitators and the alleged mastermind.
Naqvi claimed the mastermind was an Afghan national affiliated with the militant Islamic State (IS) group.
“The terrorist involved in the incident received training in Afghanistan. How he was trained and his travel history tell everything,” he said.
A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police assistant sub-inspector was martyred during the overnight raids, while several personnel sustained injuries, the minister added.
He asserted that the network responsible for the attack had been dismantled. “The entire ISIS network has been busted,” he said.
Naqvi further claimed that at least 21 terrorist organisations were operating from Afghan soil, alleging that militants shifted allegiances to whoever offered higher funding.
“Someone is giving them funds, and they are receiving dollars from somewhere,” he said, alleging India was providing financing and targets. “Those who were giving $500 are now giving $1,500… India has increased the funding three times after May,” he added.
