UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemns Karachi attack on Shia Ismaili Muslims, asks Pakistan government to protect its citizens

UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has condemned the terrorist attack in Pakistan which killed 45 Shia Ismaili Muslims, saying the country "must uphold" its obligations and commitments towards protecting its citizens, including all minorities.

"Pakistan, as a responsible member of the international community, must uphold its obligations and commitments towards protecting its citizens, including all minorities," Secretary- General Ban's spokesperson said in a statement yesterday.

Ban called on the Pakistani government to "take all necessary measures" to bring the perpetrators of the "despicable act" to justice.

The statement also took note of the worrisome number of attacks against Shia and Christian minorities residing in Pakistan in recent times and asked the country's authorities to take "swift measures aimed at effective protection of religious minorities in the country."

"Creating a climate of tolerance, understanding and respect will greatly contribute to achieving this objective," the statement added.

Kalashnikov-wielding IS militants donning police uniforms yesterday gunned down 45 Shia Ismaili Muslims, shooting them in the head as they attacked their bus in Pakistan's volatile Karachi city as the dreaded terror outfit claimed carrying out their first attack in the region.