Caritas peacefully protests

and prays in Solidarity with Victims of

Peshawar Church Incident

Source: Zimbo.com

Background: A twin suicide bombing killed at least 83 people at a church service in northwest nd Pakistan () on Sunday 22 September, officials said, in what is believed to be the country’s deadliest attack on Christians.

Protests continued across the country on Monday against Peshawar blasts, demanding the government to take stringent measure for the security of the minorities. Churches and missionary schools in the country will remain closed in mourning for three days.

Minority rights and Civil rights bodies held rallies and protests expressing their grief over the Peshawar Church bombing, terming it criminal negligence on the part of the provincial government.

Caritas Pakistan observes Solidarity Prayer Services: Caritas Pakistan National Secretariat and all its seven diocesan units observed the Prayer Day for the victims of Peshawar Church incident which took place on 22nd September, 2013 , as a result of twin suicide bomb blasts leaving 81 injured and 140 injured. All Diocesan staff assembled at their respective places simultaneously at sharp 12:00 pm and protested peacefully claiming for the security measures taken towards the minorities should be monitored whereas, condemning the incident which left massacre impact on innocent Christian Community victimized in Peshawar Church. All Caritas Staff prayed for the peace and strength of the affectees , prayer services were held in each diocesan office and also the candles were lightened in remembrance of great sacrifices and martyrs during this incident.

Caritas Pakistan National Secretariat and Caritas Pakistan Dioceses were led by His Excellency Bishop Sebastian Shaw and Mr. Amjad Gulzar, Executive Director, Caritas Pakistan, a peaceful protest and prayer service with special candle lightening in remembrance of the martyrs Christians during the incident

His Excellency Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore, who also led a peace rally at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sept 23, termed the blasts as a national loss.

“This is not only the loss of Christians but of the whole country. Our hearts are heavy with grief and we are seriously planning to improve tahe safety protocols of all the Church offices,” the prelate added.

Mr. Amjad Gulzar, Executive Director, Caritas Pakistan shared his concern over the incident and said that this is very tragic since innocent Christian were victimized, the solidarity visit to the affected church planned tomorrow along with diocesan unit for the solidarity with victim family.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Louis, Diocesan executive Secretary also shared that “we are finding it hard to trust police security which lacked skills and equipments; it is about time Christian should think of taking the responsibility of protecting their own parishes and institutions”

Glimpses of Prayer services held at all Diocesan Units

Caritas Pakistan Hyderabad Caritas Pakistan

Caritas Pakistan Rawalpindi/Islamabad Caritas Pakistan Faislabad

Caritas Pakistan Caritas Pakistan Quetta