As more information emerges about yesterday's terrorist attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, the Secretary-General is further dismayed by the news that the confirmed death toll is rising and includes two UN staff members –Mr. Aleksandar Vorkapic of UNHCR [Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] and Ms. Perseveranda So of UNICEF [The United Nations Children's Fund]. Four UN colleagues –two from WFP [World Food Programme], one from WHO [World Health Organization] and one from UNICEF - were injured. A number of Pakistani nationals supporting UN programmes were also killed and injured. The search for casualties is continuing.

The Secretary-General reiterates his strong condemnation of this brutal act of terror against innocent people, many of whom were in Peshawar to carry out humanitarian work.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.