Pakistan: UN chief deplores terrorist attack on Christian sites of worship

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the terrorist attacks committed against two Christian churches in Pakistan.

The suicide bombings, perpetrated by the Pakistani Taliban on 15 March, targeted the Christian community in the city of Lahore and left at least 14 people dead and scores injured, according to media reports.

The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-i-Taliban, have intensified their attacks against civilian targets in recent months. Last December, an attack against a school in Peshawar resulted in the deaths of at least 130 people, the vast majority of whom were children, drawing universal condemnation from senior UN officials who described the attack as “blood-curdling” and a form of “savage extremism.”

In a statement issued today by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, the Secretary-General noted with “grave concern” the Pakistani Taliban’s claim of responsibility for yesterday’s bombings and its threats to carry out more attacks in the future.

“He calls on the Government of Pakistan to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and to do its utmost to prevent attacks against places of worship and protect religious minorities,” the statement continued.

“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan.”