Security Council strongly condemns deadly bombings in Pakistan

Strongly condemning last Thursday’s attacks on the convoy of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Karachi, the Security Council today said those behind the “reprehensible act of terrorism” must be brought to justice.

In a presidential statement read out by Ambassador Leslie K. Christian of Ghana, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, the Council joined its voice with that of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who spoke out against the blasts in a statement issued Thursday.

The Council today underlined the need to bring to justice the “perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism,” which took place just after the former Prime Minister returned to Pakistan after several years in exile, and urged all States to cooperate with the country’s authorities toward this end.

“The Security Council expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and their families, and to the people and the Government of Pakistan,” the 15-member body said.

The Council also reaffirmed its longstanding position that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”