Ban deplores 'heinous' terrorist attack in Pakistani capital

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned today's “heinous” terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, which has reportedly killed and injured a large number of people.

“He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this appalling attack, as well as to the Government and people of Pakistan,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

Media reports say the bombing killed at least 40 people and wounded some 200.

“No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians,” today's statement added.