UN chief, Security Council condemn terror attack in Pakistan

United Nations, Aug 22 (UNI) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have condemned the double suicide bombing in the northeastern Pakistani town of Wah, near Islamabad claiming many lives and injuring many others.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson yesterday, Mr Ban "reiterates his rejection of such indiscriminate and reprehensible acts of terrorism." He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Pakistani government.

According to news reports, more than 60 people lost their lives in the attack that took place on Tuesday.

Later yesterday, Ambassador Jan Grauls of Belgium, which holds the rotating Security Council presidency for August, read out a statement in which the powerful 15-member panel deplored the attack.

"The Security Council underlines the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, and urges all states -- to cooperate actively with the Pakistani authorities in this regard," he said.

Grauls said all acts of terrorism are criminal and, regardless of their motivation, cannot be justified.

Last month, Mr Ban condemned a suicide bombing in a mosque close to Islamabad and a series of bombings in Karachi.

"The Secretary-General urges all political forces to unite against the scourge of terrorism and expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan," according to a statement issued at the time.

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