Prayers for peace : ‘Our faith has grown stronger a year after church blasts’

Two ceremonies held to mark first anniversary of the tragic incident.

PESHAWAR: “Our faith has gotten stronger after this incident and the number of worshippers has increased,” said Dr Falak Sher, a regular at All Saints Church where twin suicide blasts killed over 100 people and injured more than 150 others a year ago on September 22.

Two separate ceremonies were held on Monday to observe the first anniversary of the blasts. The first was at 11:45am at All Saints Church, while the second took place at Government High School, Kohati Gate, at 4:30pm.



“It was a tragic incident that can never be forgotten by Christians,” said Dr Sher, who was speaking to The Express Tribune from the same spot in the church where he was standing on the fateful day. He claimed official figures underplayed the casualties. Many of the victims were still bed-ridden due to their injuries, he added.

He said it was not only Christians who are being targeted and pointed to the recent spate of attacks on Sikh traders.

Dr Sher said Pakistani Christians would live in the country till their dying breath, even if the future might not be looking bright for them.

Following the twin suicide bombing and devastation, the show of solidarity by the entire nation was heartening, said the member of the church. He added the country was one with the victims of the blast.

The doctor appreciated the help from Muslims, saying they even dug graves in the cemetery. He said Muslims took part in nationwide rallies against the blasts.

Absence of the government

The Express Tribune has learnt that apart from Awami National Party and PASBAN, no other political groups expressed their solidarity with the Christian community on the occasion. Church member Daniel Samuel told The Express Tribune a three-day special prayer was held for the occasion, but not a single member of the central or provincial governments issued any statements supporting the rights of Christians.

He complained although the church administration had asked for deployment of security officials at all times, personnel were only stationed on the premises on Monday for the anniversary. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2014.