Protests against the deadly Peshawar church bombing, in which 81 people lost their lives, were held across the country on Monday with the protesters demanding the government to take stringent measures for the security of the minorities.
Churches as well as missionary schools in the country remained closed in mourning for three days.
Protests were held by members of the Christian community and civil society in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Noweshera and other cities.
In the federal capital, protesters blocked the expressway. In Karachi protests are being held in several areas of the city, including Numaish Chowrangi and Isa Nagri.
Protest demonstrations were also held at Lahore Press Club, Babu Sabu Interchange, Bund Road, Joseph Colony, Yohannabad, and in front of Expo Center, Lahore.
The Christian community protested in different areas of Hyderabad. They burnt tires and pelted stones blocking traffic. They demanded that those behind the terrorist attack be held responsible.
The protesters were saddened and raged at the incident. They were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans demanding the right to live for the Christian communities. They chanted slogans against targeting of the minorities and the government’s inability to provide security against the increasing religious intolerance. They demanded that the government should apprehend those responsible for this act and called for protection of the rights of minorities.
The Christians appealed to the federal and provincial governments to provide them with foolproof security. They also called for payment of compensation to the family of victims in addition to those who sustained injuries.
Representatives of Christian community said that police neither provided them with security nor did they take adequate arrangements for their protection. They said that the Christian community and its worship places in Pakistan were becoming unsafe due to the acts of new fanatics.
