UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday strongly condemned what he described as "terrorist violence" in Pakistan, reaffirming the world body's support for the South Asian country in countering terrorism.
"The secretary-general is deeply concerned about ongoing terrorist violence in Pakistan," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson. "He strongly condemns the multiple attacks today in Quetta and the Swat Valley."
Thursday marked a bloody day for Pakistan as four blasts rocked the country, leaving at least 116 people killed and 235 others injured.
Out of the four blasts, three hit Quetta, capital city of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan Province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Another hit a preaching center in the country's northwest district of Swat.
In the statement, the UN chief also strongly condemned Wednesday's targeted killing of Dr. Syed Riaz Hussain.
According to the statement, Dr. Hussain, president of the Pakistan People's Party for Kurram Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, was a strong advocate of democracy and tolerance.
The secretary-general stressed that these heinous acts cannot be justified by any cause.
"He reiterates the strong support of the United Nations for the efforts of the government of Pakistan to combat the scourge of terrorism and hopes that the perpetrators of these violent acts will be brought to justice," said the statement.
Ban also conveyed his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of all the victims, added the statement.
We recommend:
Please 'jump' with us to New Year!
Snowflakes-future Olympic stars
Famous female political leaders
Extremely weird world
Severe winter hits the world
What an enjoyable life!
A web user recently posted a photo of a twisted building in the suburb of Beijing, calling it "Tower of Large Intestine".