A suicide bomber struck a crowded mosque inside a police compound in Pakistan on Monday, causing the roof to collapse and killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 150 others, officials said.
“It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship,” the Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson. “Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”
The secretary-general extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a prompt recovery to those injured, and reiterated the solidarity of the United Nations with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism, said the statement.
UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi also condemned the suicide attack in Peshawar, said Paulina Kubiak, his spokeswoman. "Targeting people as they pray is a truly horrid and cowardly attack." 219
