Islamabad, UNICEF condemns the heinous attack in Mastung which has reportedly claimed the lives of at least five children, and left 17 people injured, many of whom are school children.
UNICEF offers its heartfelt condolences to all the families affected by this terrible event and wishes the injured a swift recovery.
Children were attending the nearby school when the explosive device was detonated.
Violence in or around education establishments and health facilities is never acceptable. Schools should be safe, protective spaces for children to learn, be with friends, and gain the skills they need for their future. No parent should send their child to school in the morning, not knowing if they will return home later that day.
Children and adolescents are not, and must never be, the target of violence. Their safety and protection must be ensured at all times and their fundamental rights must be upheld.
Going to school should never be an act of courage.
UNICEF calls for an end to this senseless violence and for the safety and protection of all children to be ensured.