UN chief condemns suicide attack near Quetta polling station

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today condemned the killing of dozens of people near a polling station in Pakistan's western Quetta city in a suicide attack.

The suicide bombing killed at least 31 people and injured another 70. It was claimed by the terror group Islamic State.

Pakistan has witnessed violence across the country in the run up to the parliamentary and provincial assembly elections held yesterday. The elections mark only the second time that one civilian government has handed power to another after serving a full term in office.

"The Secretary-General condemns the suicide attack at a polling station in Quetta claimed by Da'esh," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, using the Arabic name for IS.

"He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan."
The spokesperson stressed that "the United Nations stands in solidarity with, and supports the efforts of the Government of Pakistan, in the fight against terrorism."