Dec. 31 (UN).─ Appalled by the "escalating terrorist violence" in Pakistan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spoken out on the matter, calling for those responsible to be held accountable, according to his spokesperson.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, the spokesperson said that the UN chief condemns the "the continued violent targeting of religious minorities" – the latest such incident involving the bombing of three buses carrying pilgrims on Sunday – as well the killing of 21 members of a Government-backed tribal police force last week.
"These cruel acts of violence cannot be justified by any cause or grievance. Their perpetrators should be brought to justice," the spokesperson said, noting that the Secretary-General conveys his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
"He expresses the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan and its continued support for their efforts to defend their country's institutions and freedoms in the face of the scourge of terrorism," the spokesperson added ...
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