By Janet Ekstract
UNITED NATIONS – Parliamentary and provincial assembly elections in Pakistan were almost shattered when 31 people were killed and 70 injured in a suicide bombing that the terrorist group ISIL claimed responsibility for.
The attack that occurred at a polling station in the western city of Quetta, was swiftly condemned by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lacjak. The Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made a statement on behalf of Mr. Guterres which stated: “He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan.
Recently, in Pakistan, there was increased violence throughout the country leading up to this week’s parliamentary and provincial assembly elections. These elections are particularly significant since they mark only the second time that a civilian government is handing over power to another after serving a full term in office.
Despite the violence, news organizations reported that millions of Pakistanis came out to vote with 85,000 polling stations closed by 7 pm on Wednesday.
The secretary-general’s spokesperson emphasized that “the United Nations stands in solidarity and supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan, in the fight against terrorism.” UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak called the attack, “despicable.”
Quetta’s suicide bombing follows on the heels of a series of terrorist attacks earlier in July which left 153 dead in Mastung.
