Secretary-General Condemns Latest Terrorist Attack Targeting Shi’a Community

in Pakistan, Urges ‘Swift, Determined’ Action against Perpetrators

The following statement was issued on 17 February by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out yesterday in Quetta, Pakistan, targeting the Shi’a Hazara community which resulted in more than 80 persons killed and nearly 200 wounded, many of them women and children.

This is the second terrorist bombing in the same city and against the same community since last month.  In the face of this latest attack on religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan, the Secretary-General calls for swift and determined action against those claiming responsibility and perpetrating such actions.

The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims.  He reiterates the strong support of the United Nations for efforts by the Government and people of Pakistan to protect religious and ethnic minorities and to combat the scourge of terrorism.

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For information media • not an official record