Ban Ki-moon condemns terror attacks in Pakistan during Muharram

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attacks in Pakistan on Shia processions marking Ashura that have claimed 36 lives in the last two days.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that nothing justifies terrorism. He 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," a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York said.

The statement added that the attacks yesterday were carried out during the holy month of Muharram and have claimed many lives, including many children.

The Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a swift recovery.

At least 24 people, including four children, were killed and 40 others injured yesterday in a suicide attack on a Muharram procession by minority Shias in Pakistan's Sindh province.

The blast took place despite stringent security measures put in place for the Ashura processions taken out on the 9th and 10th of Muharram by Shia Muslims.

In another attack on Thursday, 12 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a Shia shrine in Balochistan.