ISLAMABAD, Aug 20: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the devastating truck-bomb attack on UN headquarters in Baghdad and paid tribute to top UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was killed along with more than 20 others.

“We condemn the attack against the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad,” foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan said.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Mr. de Mello,” he added.

“Mr de Mello was an outstanding UN official who made an impressive contribution to the UN in diverse fields including that of human rights.” “This is a tragic loss of life.”

Pakistan said it condemned “all acts of terrorism.” “We believe that Mr. De Mello’s death has added urgency to the need for intensifying efforts to restore security and public order in Iraq ... and to create conditions for stability there,” he said.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid refused to say whether the latest bloodshed in Iraq would have an impact on Pakistan’s decision on sending peacekeeping troops to Iraq, as requested by the United States and Britain.—AFP