UN chief condemns attacks in Ziarat, Quetta

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon on Saturday condemned deadly attacks in Ziarat and Quetta, saying that "no cause can justify such violence."

Ban made the remarks in a statement issued here by his spokesman.

"The secretary-general strongly condemns the attacks today in Quetta and Ziarat, Pakistan, in which at least twenty civilians were reportedly killed and many more injured," said a statement. "He deplores the heinous nature of the attacks on a university bus carrying women students and educators and a hospital facility, as well as the heritage Quaid Azam Residency which has a historical importance as a former home of Muhammad Ali Jinnah."

"No cause can justify such violence," said the statement. "The secretary-general notes with dismay that violence against women and educators has increased in recent years, the aim being to keep girls from attaining the basic right to education."

The secretary-general also extended his condolences to the victims and their families, as well as the government of Pakistan, the statement said.

While urging the government of Pakistan to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice, Ban also expressed "the unstinting solidarity of the United Nations in the face of continued terrorist violence in Pakistan."