UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns Friday's attack on a mosque in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, his deputy spokesperson said, as the death toll from the blast rose to 32 with around 170 others injured.
"The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms today's attack on worshippers gathered at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan," said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson, in a statement.
"The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. He stresses that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice," said the statement.
It said that Guterres extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to those injured.
The UN chief reaffirms the solidarity of the world body with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, the statement added.
The blast happened in the Shi'ite mosque located in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad, prompting authorities to impose a state of emergency in all the major hospitals nearby, according to Irfan Nawaz Memon, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.
He said that the injured are being treated in various hospitals in Islamabad and adjoining Rawalpindi city, adding that the death toll might further rise as several people among the injured are in critical condition.
No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack as investigations continue.
UN chief strongly condemns attack on mosque in Pakistan
