UN chief urges Pakistan to take action to protect minorities

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging Pakistan's government to take "swift measures" to protect religious minorities, including Shiite Muslims and Christians, following a number of attacks.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric says Ban condemned "in the strongest terms" the latest attack today on a bus carrying Shiite Muslims in southern Pakistan which killed at least 45 people.

The UN chief called on Pakistan's government "to take all necessary measures to bring to justice the perpetrators of this despicable act," Dujarric said.

Ban says Pakistan "must uphold its obligations and commitments towards protecting its citizens, including all minorities," according to the UN spokesman.
 

"Creating a climate of tolerance, understanding and respect will greatly contribute to achieving this objective," Dujarric said.