Ban Ki-moon strongly condemns recent militants attacks in Pakistan

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "strongly condemns" this week's terrorist attacks in Pakistan and expresses deep concern over their increase in number and their sectarian nature, his press office said in a statement issued late on Wednesday. The statement was referring to the bombing Monday at a market in Rawalpindi that left at least 13 people dead, as well as Tuesday's attack in Baluchistan on a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims returning from Iran, killing more than 20 people and injuring many more. Expressing his his heartfelt condolences to the Pakistani people and Government, Ban "stresses the United Nations' commitment to supporting the Government in its efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism," the statement said.Ban also expressed deep concern about the recent attacks on polio workers, killing many of them. These "unacceptable" attacks are hampering efforts to eradicate the disease in Pakistan, he said, noting the number of polio cases in Pakistan went from 58 cases in 2012 to 91 in 2013.