UN Slams Blasts That Killed 8 People At Jalalabad Cricket Stadium
Umer Jamshaid Published May 20, 2018 | 09:00 AM
UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2018 ) :The United Nations has condemned Friday's attack in the Afghan city of Jalalabad that killed at least eight people and injured 55 at a cricket stadium.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "condemns the attack," his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement, which also stated "attacks targeting civilians are grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and can never be justified." "The United Nations maintains that all parties to the conflict must at all times uphold their obligations to protect civilians from harm," Haq added.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that four explosives were detonated, targeting those gathered, after evening prayers, to watch a local match at the venue in Jalalabad. "I am outraged by this attack that used four bombs carefully calculated to kill and maim civilians watching a cricket match," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said.
"This cold and brutal act can have no justification whatsoever; those responsible must be held accountable." UNAMA said two of the explosives were detonated inside the stadium, and the other two outside, apparently timed to target those fleeing the first blasts.
The explosions left scores dead, with many of the injured now in critical condition. According to media reports, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Taliban militant group has denied any involvement.
Afghanistan has been in protracted conflict for nearly four decades. Armed conflict in Afghanistan killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year. The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented by UNAMA, included 511 deaths and 989 injuries caused by anti-Government groups, including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS), also known as Daesh.
"At a time when Afghans are looking toward much-needed peace, we must not allow such attacks to deter our collective resolve to make progress on ending the conflict," Yamamoto, who is also head of UNAMA, said.
"The United Nations stands with Afghans in solidarity and remains committed to an Afghan-led peace process that will end the war and enable Afghanistan to allocate more resources to protect all citizens from such atrocities." Guterres and Yamamoto expressed their condolences to the loved ones of those killed in the attack and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured. APP/ift
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SC orders end of encroachments in Karachi
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago