In solidarity: PIMS nurses hold peace rally

ISLAMABAD:

We are messengers of peace, love and harmony and want nothing from the government, except security and peace.

This message was conveyed by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Nursing Association through a peaceful rally on Monday, to condemn the suicide attacks at a church in Peshawar and to express solidarity with the victims’ families. The nurses gathered in front of the main out-patient department and walked out on the road, chanting slogans to promote peace, harmony in the country. They said their hearts were bleeding over the tragic incident which took place at a church in Peshawar that claimed over 83 lives a day earlier.

Sharif Khattak, member of Pims Nursing Association said, “We’ve announced three-day mourning to express solidarity with people who lost their lives in the suicide attack and with the victims’ families. We’re here to serve humanity, so we won’t stop working but we will work while wearing black armbands.”

Pims Nursing Association Vice President Silvia Jacob said, “It’s not just an attack on Christians but on humanity. It seems like no one who goes to a mosque, church or temple is safe  in Pakistan.” This is an attempt to create a divide between Muslims and Christians, she added. “Our message to such evil people is that we’re Pakistani, we’re united and will fight together against such brutal acts. Terrorist attacks are fostering a sense of insecurity.”

Serifin, a nurse said the participation of Muslim staffers in the peace rally had given a message of unity and harmony. “Though as Christians, we face discrimination in terms of getting jobs and benefits, we feel glad to see our Muslim colleagues support us whenever we need them.”

Later, the protesters went to the National Press Club and joined the mass protest at D-Chowk.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2013.