UN chief condemns Wagah attack

Published November 4, 2014
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon. — Reuters/File
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon. — Reuters/File

UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned a suicide bomb attack near the Pakistani border with India and said such “terrorist acts” are never justified.

The bomber struck at the Wagha border crossing near Lahore on Sunday, killing at least 60 people and wounding more than 120 — the deadliest attack to hit the country in more than a year. Victims included 10 women and seven children.

Read: TTP splinter groups claim Wagah attack; 60 dead

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Ban “condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that took place yesterday. Such terrorist acts are not justifiable under any circumstances.”

The secretary general urged the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

“People were returning after watching the parade at Wagah border when the blast took place,” Lahore police chief Amin Wains had said.

Read: Despite threats, Pakistan goes on with ceremony at Wagah

Emergency had been declared at all hospitals in Lahore. Prime Nawaz Sharif had also taken notice of the explosion and called for a report on the incident.

Wagah is the only road border crossing between the Indian city of Amritsar and the Pakistani city of Lahore.

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