Secretary-General 'strongly condemns' multiple deadly attacks in Pakistan
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 11 January 2013 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Secretary-General 'strongly condemns' multiple deadly attacks in Pakistan, 11 January 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50f666812.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
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 yesterday's targeted killing of Dr. 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 Dr. 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 south-western province of Balochistan – targeted a security check point 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,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson said. “The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of all the victims.”
The spokesperson added that the Secretary-General reiterates 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.
