Xi extends condolences to Pakistani leader over terror attack

President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy on Monday to Pakistani President Arif Alvi over a terrorist attack that resulted in major casualties.

In the message, Xi said he was shocked to learn about the severe terrorist attack at a mosque in Peshawar on Friday, and he expressed deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

China strongly condemns the terrorist attack and firmly supports the efforts made by the Pakistani government and people in fighting terrorism, ensuring national stability and protecting the safety of its people, he said.

Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of sympathy to Imran Khan, prime minister of Pakistan, on Monday.

The mosque attack killed 63 people and wounded nearly 200.

An Islamic State affiliate has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that a lone suicide bomber from neighboring Afghanistan shot two police officers before entering the mosque and exploding his device, The Associated Press reported.