South Asia
Ban condemns deadly attacks in Pakistan
New York, Jan 12: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “strongly condemns” the multiple attacks that took place in Quetta and the Swat Valley, in Pakistan, which reportedly killed at least 100 people and injured at least 200 more, according to his spokesperson.
“He also strongly condemns Thursday\'s targeted killing of Syed Riaz Hussain who was the President of the Pakistan People\'s Party for Kurram Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas,” the spokesperson added in a statement issued on Thursday night.
In addition to highlighting the UN chief\'s deep concern over ongoing terrorist violence in Pakistan, the spokesperson noted that Hussain was a strong advocate of democracy and tolerance.
According to media reports, a number of blasts throughout Thursday in the city of Quetta – the capital of the southwestern province of Balochistan – targeted a security checkpoint and a snooker hall, killing close to a hundred people and wounded more than another hundred.
The attack in the city of Mingora, located in the Swat Valley in the country\'s north, reportedly targeted the offices of a religious organization and killed more than 20 people and wounded more than 60.
“These heinous acts cannot be justified by any cause,” Ban\'s spokesperson said. “The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Government and the people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of all the victims.”
The spokesperson added that the UN Secretary-General reiterated the “strong support of the United Nations for the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to combat the scourge of terrorism and hopes that the perpetrators of these violent acts will be brought to justice.”
