UN chief slams terrorist attacks in Pakistan

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the recent deadly terrorist attacks in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Sindh, which took place during the ongoing holy month of Muharram, saying that "nothing justifies terrorism".

The terrorist attacks included the Friday bombing of a procession of worshippers marking the Shia religious holiday of Ashura in the city of Jacobabad, noted a statement issued here on Friday by Ban's spokesman.

"The attacks during the ongoing holy month of Muharram have reportedly left nearly 40 dead, including many children," the statement said.

"The secretary-general reiterates that nothing justifies terrorism," the statement said.

Ban "urges the government of Pakistan to take all necessary measures to bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable acts and to do its utmost to protect its citizens, including all minorities," the statement said.

"The secretary-general extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a swift recovery," said the statement.

Sectarian violence has claimed thousands of lives in Pakistan over the past decade.