UN chief condemns suicide bombing near polio center in Pakistan

United Nations, Jan 14: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned the suicide bombing close to a polio eradication centre in Quetta, Pakistan, which reportedly killed at least 15 people and wounded 25 others.

Earlier on Wednesday, at least 14 security personnel and one civilian were killed in an explosion targeting an anti-polio campaign in Quetta city of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, Xinhua reported.

According to local authorities, a suicide bomber detonated about seven to eight kilograms of explosives in the attack.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that nothing justifies terrorism," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson. "He urges the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary measures to swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks."

"The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery," the statement added.

The attack was targeted at the security personnel who were providing security to the staff in a three-day anti-polio campaign launched in the Balochistan province Monday.

IANS