In a statement released by the UNSG spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres described the bombing as abominable, leaving at least 59 dead and 150 injured.

Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right, said Guterres.

Extending his condolences to the victims’ families and wishes for a prompt recovery to those injured, Mr. Guterres reiterated the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.

According to press reports, the suicide bombing happened as a suicide bomber blasted a bomb inside a mosque in Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to local police, the blast was reported during afternoon prayers, as a large number of worshippers gathered for prayers.

Several people were buried under the rubble after part of the building collapsed, Peshawar police commissioner Riaz Mehsood said.

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