Condemning Bombing of Shia Mosque, Secretary-General Urges Pakistan Authorities to Redouble Efforts Protecting Religious, Ethnic Minorities

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the bombing of a Shia mosque in Sindh province in Pakistan today which has reportedly killed at least 54 people gathered for prayer.  The Secretary-General is appalled by such vicious targeting of people on account of their religious affiliation.  He calls upon the authorities to redouble their efforts to protect religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan and to combat terrorism in all its forms.

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