UN, US condemn Pak suicide bombing

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban-ki moon has asked all political forces in Pakistan to unite against the scourge of terrorism and act together to create a peaceful environment before the January polls, as he joined the US in condemning the Eid day suicide bombing that killed 54 people.
   
The attack, which took place during Eid-ul-Azha prayers in a crowded mosque in Charsadda district in northwestern Pakistan, targeted former Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, who escaped unhurt.
   
Ban said he was "appalled" by the attack and strongly condemns the act of terror carried at a house of worship.

In a statement, he urged all political forces in the country to unite against the scourge and act together to create a peaceful environment ahead of parliamentary elections slated for January 8.
   
The United States said those responsible for the attack have demonstrated that they lack any "compassion, humanity, or respect for faith".
   
"We send our condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Pakistani people. Violence for political gain is never justified, and is even more disturbing during such a special holiday in the Islamic faith," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement.
   
"Terrorists continue to use violent tactics to foster fear and limit freedom," he added.