Call for accountability
“The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.The statement stressed that those responsible “must be identified and brought to justice.”
Mr. Guterres offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished “a full and speedy recovery for the injured.” He also confirmed “the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.”
Attack during Friday prayers
According to media reports, at least 31 people were killed and more than 160 injured when a suicide bomber detonated the explosive at a Shia mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad.
Police said the attacker opened fire at the mosque’s gates before causing the explosion after being confronted by guards.
A state of emergency has been declared in the capital and hospitals have called for blood donations. The attack has been described as the deadliest of its kind in Islamabad in more than a decade.
‘Deeply shocked and saddened’
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mo Yahya, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on an Imambargah in Islamabad where people gathered for Friday prayers.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” he said, adding: “We must unite in the fight against such senseless violence.”
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