UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly” terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, calling for international cooperation to bring those responsible to justice.
In a press statement, the 15-member Council expressed deep sorrow over the loss of at least six Pakistani lives, including four schoolchildren, and injuries to 53 others, the majority of them children.
“The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan,” the statement said, adding wishes for the speedy and full recovery of the injured.
The Council emphasized that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and security.
It stressed the importance of holding perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of such attacks accountable, and urged all UN member states to actively cooperate with Pakistan in efforts to investigate and prosecute those behind the attack.
“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomever committed,” the Council reiterated.
The statement also reaffirmed the obligation of all states to combat terrorism using all lawful means, in line with the UN Charter and their obligations under international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
The attack in Khuzdar has drawn widespread condemnation from within Pakistan and abroad, as the nation continues to grapple with a resurgence in violence targeting civilians, including children.
