The Islamic State claims it was responsible for a suicide bombing that killed at least 70 people at a hospital in Pakistan.

More than 100 others were hurt in the attack on mourners gathered at a hospital in Quetta.

The explosion took place shortly after the body of a prominent lawyer killed in a shooting was taken there.

Most of the victims are believed to be lawyers, who had gathered to mourn the death of their colleague.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the terrorist bombing.

He said the targeting of mourners at a civilian hospital made the attack "particularly appalling."

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Ban urged the government to do its utmost to ensure safety of the population and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"He extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," said the statement, adding that the Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan.

The United States has also condemned the attack "in the strongest terms."

"That this attack occurred at a hospital and a gathering of lawyers mourning the death of a respected colleague makes it all the more heinous," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

"The United States is committed to our continuing counter-terrorism partnership with Pakistan, and we remain resolute in joining with the people of Pakistan in confronting terrorism in Pakistan and across the region," he added.

While the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICIC) delegation in Pakistan, Reto Stocker, said: "We are shocked to see so many innocent people killed in cold blood today just outside the casualty department of the Civil Hospital in Quetta."

"Hospitals are places where lives are saved - there can be no justification for such horrendous acts. We share the grief and pain of the bereaved families at this difficult time."