ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” and expressing shock over the targeting of civilians at a place of worship.
The attack occurred on February 6 at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra on the outskirts of the federal capital during Friday prayers, leaving at least 38 people dead and more than 150 injured, according to officials. Several of the wounded were shifted to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
In a statement, UNSC President James Kariuki said the council condemned the bombing in the strongest terms, highlighting the senseless violence against worshippers and stressing the importance of accountability.
The council expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Reaffirming its longstanding position, the Security Council said terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
UNSC members underlined the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the attack accountable and bring them to justice, urging all states to cooperate actively with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Earlier, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also strongly condemned the attack, reiterating that assaults against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.