UN chief condemns terrorist attacks in Pakistan

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan targeting political rallies and candidates.

"The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan," read a statement issued by Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq.

The statement further stated that the UN stands in solidarity with and supports the efforts of the Pakistan government in the fight against terrorism.

In the last one week, four attacks have targeted election candidates resulting in at least 157 deaths and injuries to over 200 people in Pakistan, reports Geo TV.

At least 130 people, including Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Nawabzada Siraj Raisani were killed in a blast that targetted his convoy in Mastung in Balochistan province on July 13.

The same day, at least four people were killed and dozens of others were injured in another explosion in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The bomb exploded near the rally of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (F)'s Akram Khan Durrani, who is contesting election against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. Durrani escaped the attack unhurt, Geo News quoted Regional Police Officer (RPO) Bannu Karim Khan, as saying.

Earlier on July 9, Awami National Party (ANP) candidate from Peshawar Haroon Bilour, and 19 others were killed in a suicide blast in Peshawar. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The series of terror attacks, targeting the political parties in Pakistan come ahead of the July 25 general elections in the country.

(ANI)