UN chief condemns in 'strongest terms' deadly mosque attack in Pakistan

WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns in the "strongest terms" a suicide bombing targeting a mosque in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, his spokesman said Friday.

Guterres reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are "unacceptable," Farhan Haq said in a statement.

"He stresses that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice," Haq added.

Extending his condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a "full and speedy" recovery to those injured, Guterres reaffirms the solidarity of the UN with the government and people of Pakistan "in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism," he said.

According to Pakistani authorities, at least 31 people were killed and more than 169 others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers. The explosion hit the Imambargah Mosque, a Shia Muslim place of worship in Islamabad's Shehzad Town area.