Another ISIS attack in Afghanistan targeted the Chinese and Afghan nationals. Were Pakistani intelligence services involved? Ex Afghan Spy chief says — yes!

A devastating explosion rocked one of Kabul’s most secure neighborhoods on 19 Jan claiming the lives of seven people, including one Chinese national and six Afghans, and injuring atleast 5 other Chinese nationals and several Afghans including a child.

The attack targeted a Chinese-run noodle bar inside a hotel in the Shahr-e-Naw district, an area long considered a safe haven for embassies, international businesses, and foreign visitors. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the blast, which local eyewitnesses described as a possible suicide bombing aimed at both Chinese and Afghan civilians.

This was later confirmed by ISKP terror group which took responsibility for the attack. The group in its statement said that it’s attacker waited for 30mins outside the hotel and restaurant before carrying out the attack.

According to Kabul Police Command spokesperson Khalid Zadran, the explosion occurred on Gulforoshi Street, with investigations underway to determine its exact nature—whether it was an improvised explosive device, a suicide attack, or a coordinated assault.

Eyewitness accounts reported a powerful blast inside the restaurant, leading to chaos as smoke and dust filled the air. Local television footage from outlets like Tolo News and Shamshad captured panicked civilians fleeing the scene, from what was once Kabul’s most secure area.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep shock over the incident, confirming that five Chinese citizens were injured in what they labeled a terrorist attack. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged Afghan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the protection of foreign nationals, and bolster security measures.

Pakistan’s Role in Orchestrating the Attack?
Amid the grief and investigations, serious allegations have emerged pointing to Pakistan’s involvement in the planning and execution of the attack. Rahmatullah Nabil, a prominent Afghan figure and former intelligence chief, has claimed that Khalid al-Manat, a key leader of ISIS-K, is operating from Nowshera in Pakistan.

According to Nabil, Khalid al-Manat leads a network in close coordination with Pakistan’s military intelligence services, raising alarms about cross-border complicity in terrorist activities in an interview to Zarin news.
Reports indicate that the Kabul blast was directly planned from this center in Nowshera under al-Manat’s direction. This revelation not only exposes the persistent security challenges facing Afghanistan but also shows the threats originating from Pakistan.

Nabil’s statements suggest that over fifty ISIS-K terrorists are currently being trained and organized at this location, potentially fueling further insurgent operations.
These claims once again to the fore the longstanding concerns about Pakistan’s role in regional instability.

Such safe havens in Pakistan allow groups like ISIS-K to regroup and launch attacks, undermining Afghanistan’fragile peace under Taliban rule. Something that India has been pointing at forever now.

Earlier in March’25, Baloch group BLA had targeted ISKP training camp being run with the support of Pakistani intel agencies. This was confirmed by ex-envoy of US to Afghan.

With Pakistan’s name once again popping up in an attack against Chinese nationals after myriads of similar attacks inside Pakistan last year– it remains to be seen if Pakistan and China’s relations will stand the test of time.