United Nations Secretary-General (SG) Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and expressed his deep concern over sectarian violence and attacks on polio workers.
In a statement, Ban ki-moon specifically mentioned incidents of bombing at a market in Rawalpindi on 20th January that left at least 13 dead, as well as attack in Balochistan on a bus carrying Shia pilgrims returning from Iran, which reportedly killed more than 20 people and injured many more, including women and children.
UN SG was also deeply concerned about the recent attacks on polio workers, which have resulted in several deaths.
“These unacceptable attacks are hampering efforts to eradicate the disease in Pakistan, one of the last three countries where polio remains endemic. The number of polio cases in Pakistan increased by 57 per cent last year, from 58 cases in 2012 to 91 in 2013,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The SG expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Pakistan. He stressed that the UNs’ commitment to supporting the government in its efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
