Caritas Pakistan peacefully protests

and prays in Solidarity with Victims of

Peshawar Church Incident

Source: Zimbo.com

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.

Background: A twin suicide bombing killed at least 83 people at a church service in northwest

Pakistan(Peshawar) on Sunday 22nd

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 National Secretariat and Caritas Pakistan Lahore 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 Karachi

Caritas Pakistan Rawalpindi/Islamabad Caritas Pakistan Faislabad

Caritas Pakistan Multan Caritas Pakistan Quetta