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Mar 16, 2015 | Kevin Thompson

Christians in Pakistan Targeted by Suicide Bombers

Two suicide bombers targeted worshippers at two churches in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday, killing 15 people and leaving more than 70 injured. The attack took place at Christ Church, Lahore and St. John’s Church Youhanabad (Catholic) during Sunday mass in one of Pakistan’s largest Christian neighborhoods. A group affiliated with the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

 

The aftermath of a suicide bombing at St. John's Church in Lahore on Sunday, March 15. Photo: Diocese of Peshawar

According to reports from the Diocese of Peshawar, the attackers were said to be between 16 and 17 years old, and were stopped at the gates of each church, before blowing themselves up. Speaking to The Guardian, Punjab government spokesman Zaeem Qadri said, “Five policemen were deployed outside the two churches. Two of them lost their lives while the other three are in a critical condition. Their sacrifice has saved the lives of a number of people.”

The attacks were condemned by Christian and Muslim community leaders and by Pakistani governmental organizations. Bishop Samuel Azariah, the Primate of The Church of Pakistan (United), called the bombings a “cowardly and inhuman act of terrorists against a religious minority in Pakistan.”

The Sunday attacks on the churches at Lahore were the worst against the Pakistani Christian community since a September 2013 double suicide bombing at All Saints’, Peshawar that killed 99 people and injured 143 others. “Our Christian community has rendered invaluable services to the motherland particularly in the social sector and we consider them as our honour and pride,” said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a press release.

Following the attacks, protests by Pakistani Christians took place in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Faisalabad and other cities, with some violence and at least two deaths in Lahore reported as a result.