Church blasts: Victims’ families demand more compensation

Level allegations against bishop for withholding funds

PESHAWAR: Allegations have been levelled against the Bishop of Peshawar for not releasing enough money to compensate the victims of blasts that took place in churches of Peshawar.

However, representatives of the Diocese of Peshawar (DoP), Church of Pakistan, have rejected the claims.

“Those who got injured in the blast at Kohati Church have been compensated,” said DoP Mission and Ministry Secretary Pastor Shehzad Murad at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday. “However, the amount announced by the federal and Sindh governments has yet to be received.”

Murad said that family of each victim of the All Saints Church blast has been given enough financial support that was extended by USAID and different NGOs. He decried those who are demanding more money, saying the church has asked them to stop begging in the name of the deceased. “But a few of the victims’ families have been asking for more money, ignoring the church’s appeal.”

Playing tricks?

The pastor said a group of protesters pressurised the diocese to release more money. They also demanded new houses from the church. The protesters were led by Tanveer Shirazi, who is the self-appointed chair of his organisation, the All Saint Trust. “He is an imposter who wants to trick the government,” added the pastor.

He said these people are also asking for letters, seeking asylum abroad, but the bishop has refused them. “Some people were sent abroad for treatment, but after going there, they demanded permanent residence which was denied by the foreign country,” added the pastor. He said their requests for asylum had been refused and they are using different tactics to blackmail the Bishop of Peshawar Sarfaraz Humphery Peters. “Shirazi even filed a case at Peshawar High Court against the bishop and it was entertained.”

Checks and balances

The pastor also spoke about the reported compensation  announced by Bahria Town Chief Executive Malik Riaz, saying he is not aware of any such funds.

He said that the governments, who are yet to pay the compensation amount, should do so. “Even government employees of All Saint Church are waiting for financial support from the provincial government.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2015.