ISLAMABAD — At least 57 people were killed, including children in suicide bombings that targeted two religious ceremonies in Pakistan. Secretary-General António Guterres described the attacks as “particularly abhorrent” and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

A further 70 people were injured in Friday’s attacks at the Hangu mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and at a religious procession in Mastung, Balochistan.

“It is particularly abhorrent that the attacks occurred at a place of worship and during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday,” Guterres said in a statement.

He reiterated UN’s solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.

Members of the UN Security Council also condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms”, stressing that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” they said in a statement.

Council members urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the government of Pakistan and other relevant authorities to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), also denounced the attacks, reiterating “houses of worship are sacred places where worshipers should be able to practice their faith safely and freely.” — UN News