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“What have we done wrong to these people,'” asked one of the
wounded, John Tariq, who lost his father in the bombings. “Why are
we being killed?"
Suicide Bombers Attack Church
in Peshawar
22nd September , 2013
Two suicide bombers struck a historic church here on Sunday and blown themselves killing 81 people, including women and children in the deadliest attack on the Christian minority in Pakistan's history. A twin suicide bombing also wounded more than 145 people at a church service in northwest Pakistan on Sunday in, what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Christians in the country. Capital City Police Chief said that twelve kilograms of explosives were used in the suicide vests of the bombers. "The first attack happened when services had finished and people were leaving the church. The suicide bomber tried to attack the people, but when he was stopped by the police he detonated the bomb. The second blast was carried out inside the Church." 500 to 600 people were inside the church at the time of the attack. People soaked in blood wailed for help as bodies lay strewn in the Church's courtyard.
Christians make up about four percent of Pakistan's 180 million people.
They tend to keep a low profile in the predominantly Muslim country, and while attacks on Christian areas occur sporadically, Sunday's bombings were among the deadliest in recent history.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide protests. More than 500 gathered today in front of the Punjab Assembly where they raised slogans against attackers and demanded justice.
Pakistani women grieve over the coffins of their relatives, who were killed in a suicide attack on a church, in Peshawar. (AP)
The Church workers including a priests, staff of Justice and Peace commission Major Religious superiors as well as Caritas Pakistan staff in praying and chanting hallelujah. Mr. Amjad Gulzar said while participating in the protest that “We are Pakistanis and have contributed greatly in the field of education, health and humanitarian works. The government should do more for peace”. Missionary schools closed after Church bombings. Catholic Church in Pakistan has announced three days of mourning after a twin suicide on a Church in Peshawar this morning. Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi condemned the terrorist attack which claimed 78, including seven children, and injured more than 100 at All Saints Church, located in a narrow market of Kohati gate area. “I demand government to protect religious minorities and take steps to avoid similar incidents. Our educational institutes will remain closed as a sign of mourning and protest. I urge all Christians to remain peaceful and pray”, said Bishop Coutts chairman Caritas Pakistan CP in a press statement.
Christians in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and other cities also staged
protest rallies to condemn the killings and demand state protection
for their lives and properties
“Religious minorities need more protection than other groups”, ‐ Mr. Amjad Gulzar, Executive Director Caritas
Pakistan with Caritas Team and other people
“We are Pakistanis and have contributed greatly in the field of
education, health and humanitarian works. The government should do
more for peace”
References: Tribune, Global Post, Express News. Caritas Pakistan National Secretariat Communication Desk: [email protected] /
Caritas Pakistan is in contact with Church of Pakistan and Mr. Amjad Gulzar Executive (Executive Director) along with diocesan unit paying solidarity visit to Peshawar. For the solidarity with victims Caritas Pakistan has decided to participate in peace rally and press conferences organized by Catholic Church & Church of Pakistan.
