UN's Ban condemns 'heinous' attack outside food aid center in Pakistan

UN's Ban condemns 'heinous' attack outside food aid center in Pakistan

2010-12-27 07:15:33 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned the 'heinous' terrorist attack which took place on Saturday outside a UN World Food Program (WFP) distribution center in north-west Pakistan.

According to reports, a female suicide bomber was responsible for the attack on a large crowd which was receiving food aid in Khar, in the country's Bajaur region. It left at least 45 people killed and dozens more injured.

"The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan," said Martin Nesirky, Ban's personal spokesperson. "He unequivocally condemns this abhorrent act of terrorism aimed at innocent people."

WFP has been present in Pakistan since 1968, and its assistance encompasses emergency, recovery and developmental components, focusing on the country's most vulnerable. Despite considerable security-related challenges - including an attack on WFP's office in Islamabad in October 2009 - the agency continues to support almost 10 million beneficiaries in 2010.

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