UN chief condemns terrorist attack against Sufi shrine in Pakistan

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the terrorist attack on a Sufi shrine in southwestern Pakistan yesterday that reportedly killed dozens of worshippers.

¡¡ãThe Secretary-General condemns the terrorist attack [¡-] He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,¡¡À Mr. Ban's spokesman said in a statement issued overnight.

Preliminary media reports said that a powerful bomb blasted the shrine in the Khuzdar district of the Baluchistan province, killing at least 52 people and wounding at least 100 others.

¡¡ãThe Secretary-General hopes the Pakistani authorities will be able to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this depraved attack to justice,¡¡À the spokesman said.

¡¡ãThe Secretary-General supports the Government of Pakistan in its fight against terrorism in full respect of international and human rights norms,¡¡À he added.