Ban condemns ‘despicable’ terrorist act in Pakistan on Shia Muslim community

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned in the “strongest possible terms” today’s terrorist attack in Pakistan which left dozens dead and many others injured, a United Nations spokesperson has confirmed.

The attack targeted a passenger bus in the Pakistani city of Karachi and reportedly killed at least 45 members of the Ismaili Shia Muslim community while injuring several others.

“Pakistan, as a responsible member of the international community, must uphold its obligations and commitments towards protecting its citizens, including all minorities,” the UN spokesperson declared in a statement which highlighted the Secretary-General’s appeal for the Government of Pakistan to “take all necessary measures” to bring to justice the perpetrators of the “despicable act.”

The statement also took note of the worrisome number of attacks against Shia and Christian minorities residing in Pakistan in recent times and urged the country’s authorities to take “swift measures aimed at effective protection of religious minorities in the country.”

“Creating a climate of tolerance, understanding and respect will greatly contribute to achieving this objective,” it added.

In addition, the spokesperson said Mr. Ban extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims, the Government and the people of Pakistan and wished a “speedy recovery” to those injured in the attack.