Pakistan’s ISKP Gambit: Endangering Beijing’s Afghan Ventures

On January 19, 2026, a suicide bombing at a Chinese-owned restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district killed multiple civilians, including Chinese nationals. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, framing the attack as targeting Chinese presence in Afghanistan. This incident continues a pattern of violence against Chinese interests in the country.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Chinese engagement in Afghanistan has proceeded alongside periodic ISKP attacks on Chinese targets.