Deeply Concerned by surging Violence in Pakistan, Secretary-General Urges

 

Government to Step Up Efforts to Address Terrorism, Religious Extremism

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the assault on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, in which reportedly at least 29 people died, and the suicide attacks targeting Shia pilgrims in Taftan, Baluchistan, which reportedly left at least 25 people dead and many more injured.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by this upsurge of violence across Pakistan.  While acknowledging the measures already taken to maintain security, he urges the Government of Pakistan to further increase its efforts to address terrorism and religious extremism, including with a view to protecting the rights of all people to safely practice their religion, and to bring the perpetrators of such attacks to justice.

The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the Government and the people of Pakistan and extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

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For information media • not an official record