UN chief strongly condemns Pakistan school attack

United Nations, Dec 17: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the "bloodcurdling attack" on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, in which 148 people, including 132 students, were killed. "No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. It is an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn," Ban said at the beginning of a Security Council meeting Tuesday. "The hearts of the world go out to the parents and families who have lost loved ones in the horrific attack," he said. Addressing the Council, Ban extended his deepest condolences to the people, government and particularly those touched by Tuesday's tragedy, according to Xinhua. "Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces. Getting an education is every child's right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery," he noted. The secretary-general expressed the world organization's support for the efforts of the Pakistani authorities in their fight against terrorism and extremism, and urged the government of Pakistan to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.