UN chief slams deadly attack in Pakistan

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the deadly attack in Pakistan's Balochistan, which has killed at least 52 people, and voiced his hope that the perpetrators would be swiftly brought to justice.

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died and to the government and people of Pakistan, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Secretary-General hopes the Pakistani authorities will be able to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this depraved attack to justice," the statement said.

"The Secretary-General supports the government of Pakistan in its fight against terrorism in full respect of international and human rights norms," said the statement.

At least 52 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured in a suicide bombing at 6.30 p.m. at a remote Sufi Muslim shrine in the Pakistani region of Balochistan, reports said.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the blast which took place when about 500 to 600 devotees were present at the shrine.

--IANS

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