Nationwide protests held against Peshawar church bombings: Churches missionary schools closed
- September 23, 2013, 6:21 pm
- National News
- 119 Views
ISLAMABAD Sept 23 (Online): Protests against the deadly Peshawar church bombing in which 81 people lost their lives were held across the country on Monday with the protestors demanding of the government to take stringent measure for the security of the minorities.
All the churches as well as the missionary schools in the country remained closed in mourning for three days.
Protests were held by members of the Christian community and civil society in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Noweshera and other cities.
In the federal capital, protestors blocked the expressway.
In Karachi protests are being held in several areas of the city, including Numaish Chowrangi and Isa Nagri. All missionary schools and colleges are closed in the city as three days of mourning had been announced.
The Christian community protested in different areas of Hyderabad. Protestors burnt tyres and pelted stones blocking traffic. They demanded that those behind the terrorist attack be held responsible.
In Tando Muhammad Khan and Jamshoro, protests were held outside the press club.
Protests were also held in Faisalabad outside the city’s press club. Protestors held a sit-in and blocked traffic.
The Christian community also protested in Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahuddin and Hafizabad.
Protest demonstrations were also held at Lahore Press Club, Babu Sabu Interchange, Bund Road, Joseph Colony, Yohannabad, and in front of Expo Center, Lahore. The protestors were saddened and raged at the incident. They were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans demanding the right to live for the Christian communities. They chanted slogans against targeting of the minorities and the government’s inability to provide security against the increasing religious intolerance. They demanded that the government should apprehend those responsible for this act and called for protection of the rights of minorities.
The protesters, carrying banners and placards, pelted stones on public and private vehicles, raised slogans against the government and demanded end to terrorist activities. They also blocked GT Road.
The Christians appealed to the federal and provincial governments to provide them with foolproof security. They also called for payment of compensation to the family of victims in addition to those who sustained injuries.
Addressing on the occasion, representatives of Christian community said that police neither provided them with security nor they took adequate arrangements for their protection. They said the Christian community and its worship places in Pakistan were becoming unsafe due to the acts of new fanatics.
In Kasur, Muttahida Masih Mahaz took a rally at Kot Radha Kishan in which a large numbers of Christians and members of civil society participated. Christian leader Ch Noor Elahi announced complete strike and protest rally.
The Diocese of Hyderabad Church of Pakistan organised a mourning at St Thomas Cathedral in Civil Lines, burnt candle lights and prayed for the departed souls. “It’s a national tragedy. All the people across the religions and regions are deeply saddened,†said Bishop John Kaleem while speaking at the ceremony.
81 people were killed and over 140 injured in twin suicide attacks at the All Saints Church in Peshawar.
