Lahore: Pakistani Christians protesting against the blast. PHOTO: AFP
PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced a nationwide three-day mourning period to share the grief of the Peshawar church blast victims, expressing that the tragedy had left him shocked and speechless.
"I am at a loss of words to condemn this inhuman incident," said Nisar, while talking to the media in Peshawar. He extended condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.
"I express utmost sorrow on behalf of the Prime Minister and the President, who wished to fly to Peshawar immediately but was advised to postpone his visit for security reasons."
Flanked by the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Chief Minister on his right, the Interior Minister told media that the federal government was extending all possible assistance, especially medical services, to the provincial government.
He particularly condemned the deaths of women and children in the blast.
"34 of those who died are women, seven are children. I know of no such religion, no such society and no such law that allows to mete out such treatment to women."
Nisar stated that the government would scrutinize and reassess the security of Christians as a whole in the country.
"On a federal level, we have decided to review the protection of the Christian community in the country, who are perhaps considered by the terrorists as soft targets."
"We have decided to chalk out a bigger plan to brush up security preparations for their houses, community areas and churches."
In response to a question on the success and aftermath of the All Parties Conference, the Nisar chose to respond briefly, saying that the decision to proceed on the 'path of peace' was unanimously agreed upon by all political parties. He said the government had clung on to this path despite suffering attacks on its army and citizens, but now all political parties had to sit together and reach a consensus on their next strategy.
Chaudhry Nisar commended the Chrisitian community on grappling with their grief with patience, remarking that there were 'heroes' to be proud of even in this tough time.
"The bereaved families here, and especially the bishop of the church, have led themselves through this ordeal with extraordinary and exemplary patience."
Nisar promised complete renovation of the affected church with the federal government bearing the cost.
COMMENTS (22)
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What about the Christian that was recently slaughtered in Karachi on blasphemy charges?
http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/09/20/news/national/christian-slaughtered-in-karachi-over-blasphemy-charges/
Oh my, Imran's friends claim responsibility for the attack. May be he can ask all his questions from them.
Taliban claims responsibility for Peshawar church bombs that killed 78
We will keep begging to please negotiate peace with us and please don't kill us... But Punjab is safe, at least.
Another mass killing. When will this end. What is this: children are raped, humiliation of Hockey, Cricket, drunken pilot of PIA. Just endless stream of bad news. I am ashamed to be Pakistani.
Is it done by Taliban or by some non-state actors in their Emirate?
Deja vu! Now all we have to is to wait until the next big attack and mourn again for three more days, infact we have been mourning every single day. The Government should save time instead of these three days of mourning announcements every week, just announce a year of mourning and provide everybody with guns so they can kill each other meanwhile the leaders can go vacationing to a country of their choice while the citizens of Pakistan are brutally killed on their own soil. Until the next elections when they return for a few days and go back spending millions in foreign countries.
“34 of those who died are women, seven are children. I know of no such religion, no such society and no such law that allows to mete out such treatment to women.”
Oh Really?? Then, Welcome to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.... Now you know.
Deepest condonlences with families and friends of all victims. This is a loss of whole nation, these all 75 people who died in blast are mar·tyred.
no religion or humanity allows this kind of brazen act to kill innocent people including women & children, Govt should revisit its policy to go-to for dialogue, strict action without mercy is needed to curb the terrorism otherwise Pakistan is going to be banana state....
R.I.P all deceased.
We are with you. Our hearts are aching with yours and with those who have lost their loved ones. We need to fight these terrorists; we need to take the fight to those who support them.
May God keep you and the rest of Pakistanis under His protection
Pakistan is indebted to you for the contributions to Pakistan.
Impotent state can only mourn victims they cannot take on terrorists.
A crime has happened. Instead of coming up with a complete plan of how to arrest, prosecute, and sentence the perpetrators of this heinous crime, all he could come up with is a three days' mourning. Ch. Nisar has already proved himself to be the most incompetent Interior Minister of Pakistan's history, every day just brings a new low for him.
Nice gesture. Time for the President, Parliament, Military and every religious leader of note to condemn this massacre. Time for the people of Pakistan to get off their duffs and demand change.
Taliban continue to kill our people and Pakistani Govt. just see as a sitting duck, begging for them to dialogue.
Military operation against Taliban!!!!
The history books and our contemporary society witness unanimously..................killings of innocent heretics(people of another religion) and destruction of their worship houses, was and is an inseparable component of this religion, namely FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY!
With the declaration of 3 days mourning, the Pakistani government has done it duty! They must be preparing the statement for the next mourning.