The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms today's terrorist attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan. He is saddened by the large numbers of dead and wounded, which include a staff member of UNHCR who was killed. The UNHCR staff member, Mr. Aleksandar Vorkapic, was part of an emergency team recently deployed to Pakistan to help with the current displacement crisis. Once again, a dedicated staff member of the United Nations is among the victims of a heinous terrorist attack which no cause can justify.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan, and wishes those injured a full recovery.