Olson, Ban Ki-moon express grief over Bilour’s killing

The United States (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep grief at the death of senior provincial minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour and offered condolences to his family and friends. In a statement‚ Olson said Bilour was a courageous man and an outspoken voice against the politics of fear and terror. “We are deeply saddened at the death of Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour and offer our condolences to his family and friends,” Olson said on Sunday. “He was a courageous man and an outspoken voice against the politics of fear and terror. We applaud his commitment to democratic values, which led him into harm’s way more than once,” the ambassador said. He stated the US embassy stood with the people of Pakistan in condemning this outrageous attack‚ and hoped that Bilour’s vision of a secure and prosperous Pakistan will continue in the work of those that he inspired. A statement issued by Ban Ki-moon’s spokesman said, “The secretary-general reiterates the strong support of the United Nations for the efforts of the government and people of Pakistan to combat the scourge of terrorism.” “He conveys his sincere condolences on this tragic loss,” the statement added.