The death toll from the recent suicide blasts in Peshawar has risen to 83 after two more people succumbed to their injuries on Monday amidst ongoing protest demonstrations in Peshawar and other major cities against the attacks.
According to Peshawar Commissioner Muhammad Anees, more than 140 injured are being treated in various hospitals of Peshawar. Majority of the injured are admitted in Lady Reading Hospital whereas a few of them are in Combined Military Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospitals.
KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and KP Health Minister Shaukat Ali Yousafzai have directed doctors to focus their attention on the care of those injured in the twin suicide attacks.
Riaz Maseeh, a highly educated figure from the Christian community living in Gulberg Peshawar, lost six family members in the church attacks, including his wife, daughter, sister, two nieces and a nephew. Riaz himself also sustained injuries.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Riaz’s son, Shehroz, said, “The government has failed in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people from the Christian community.” He alleged that certain elements within the government had patronised terrorists and militants. He urged the government to review its policies and take stern action against those who are involved in such acts.
He called for an end to violence and bloodshed, which he said is prohibited in Christianity, Islam and almost all other religions.
Meanwhile, people from different walks of life denounced the suicide attacks and staged protest demonstrations and rallies which paralysed traffic in Peshawar.
Many people from Sufaid Dheri and its surrounding areas staged protest demonstrations on University Road whereas people from Gulbahar and Hashtnagari staged protest demonstrations on GT Road.
Hundreds of youngsters from the Christian community blocked roads at Assembly Hall Chowk while protesting the attacks on the church. The protesters chanted slogans against the government and police.
A number of provincial ministers, including Yousafzai, Shah Farman and Mohammad Atif along with Peshawar commissioner and high ranking police officers tried to convince the protesters to disperse but in vain. Some of the protesters refused to talk to the provincial ministers. Later, the police resorted to minor baton charging of the protesters.
Most educational institutions in Peshawar run by the Christian community remained shut. The KP government and certain political forces have announced three-day mourning in Peshawar and other parts of KP following the twin attacks.