China has strongly condemned a deadly explosion that struck Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on the afternoon of February 6, expressing shock at the loss of life and reaffirming its support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. The blast, which caused heavy casualties, prompted swift reactions from regional and international partners as Pakistani authorities launched investigations into the incident.
In a statement delivered on Sunday, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing was “deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and the heavy casualties it has inflicted.” The spokesperson added, “China mourns for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones.”
The incident has renewed concerns over security in Pakistan’s major cities at a time when the government is already grappling with militant violence, economic pressures, and regional instability. While Pakistani officials have yet to release a final account of what caused the explosion, early reports described significant damage and multiple casualties in the affected area.
In its response, Beijing took a firm stance against militancy, emphasizing its long-held opposition to violent extremism. “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 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
The statement underscored the close diplomatic and security ties between China and Pakistan, often described by both governments as an “all-weather strategic partnership.” China has repeatedly voiced support for Pakistan following major attacks, particularly those targeting civilians, infrastructure, or Chinese interests in the country.
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According to coverage by international news agencies such as Reuters and AFP, Islamabad has been hit intermittently by bombings and militant attacks over the past two decades, though security in the capital has improved significantly since the height of insurgent violence in the early 2010s. The February 6 explosion, however, has revived public anxiety and prompted calls for tighter security measures.
Pakistani officials said the explosion occurred in the afternoon local time, sending emergency services rushing to the scene. Hospitals in Islamabad were placed on high alert to treat the injured, while police cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue operations and preserve evidence.
Although authorities have not publicly confirmed the number of fatalities or the exact nature of the blast, officials acknowledged that casualties were significant. Security agencies are examining whether the explosion was the result of a targeted attack, an improvised explosive device, or another cause.
The BBC and Associated Press reported that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry ordered an immediate security review following the incident, particularly in sensitive areas of the capital. Investigators are also assessing whether the blast is linked to militant groups that have carried out attacks in other parts of the country in recent months.
For residents of Islamabad, the explosion was a stark reminder that despite relative calm compared with other regions, the capital is not immune to violence. Witnesses quoted by local media described hearing a loud bang followed by chaos as people fled the area.
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China was among the first major powers to issue a formal condemnation, reflecting both its close relationship with Pakistan and its broader concerns about regional stability. Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Security analysts note that attacks in Pakistan often draw swift responses from Beijing, particularly when there is any perceived risk to Chinese nationals or projects. While there was no immediate indication that Chinese citizens were among the victims of the Islamabad explosion, the Foreign Ministry’s statement highlighted China’s broader commitment to Pakistan’s security.
Other countries are expected to echo similar sentiments. In past incidents, the United States, the European Union, and neighboring states have condemned attacks in Pakistan and urged continued cooperation against terrorism. International organizations have also repeatedly called for the protection of civilians and adherence to the rule of law in counterterrorism operations.
The Islamabad blast comes amid a broader resurgence of militant violence in parts of Pakistan, particularly in the northwest and along the border with Afghanistan. According to data cited by AFP and AP, attacks claimed by or attributed to militant groups increased in 2024 and early 2025, targeting security forces, religious sites, and political gatherings.
The Pakistani government has pledged a renewed crackdown on militant networks, combining intelligence-led operations with stricter border controls. Officials argue that regional instability, including developments in neighboring Afghanistan, has complicated security efforts.
China has consistently supported Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures in international forums, including the United Nations, and has called for addressing the “root causes” of extremism through development and regional cooperation. Sunday’s statement reiterated that position, aligning China with Islamabad’s push to maintain national security and stability.
As investigations continue, Pakistani authorities are expected to release more details about the cause of the February 6 explosion and any suspects involved. Security has already been tightened in Islamabad, with additional patrols and checkpoints reported across the city.