BEIJING, March 29 -- Chinese President Xi Jinpingon Monday sent a message of condolences to his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain over a terrorist attack in the city of Lahore in Pakistan.

"I'd like to extend on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my personal name a heartfelt condolence to the victims and their families," said Xi.

China opposes terrorism in any forms and condemns in "the strongest possible terms" the terrorist attack that has caused heavy casualties, Xi said.

"Pakistan has the staunch support from China in its efforts to combat terrorism, safeguard its stability and ensure the safety of its people," he said.

A suicide bomber hit a public park in Lahore on Sunday evening, killing at least 72 people as of Monday morning, including a large number of women and children, and injuring more than 300 others.

A Pakistan Taliban splinter group has reportedly claimed the attack.