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A deadly terrorist attack took place in Quetta on Sunday at the Bethel Memorial Church located on Zarghoon Road. It is reported that nine people were killed, mostly women and children, while 50 were critically injured. The church was packed with worshippers when the attack happened. This news has indeed turned out to be shocking for all of Pakistanis.
According to sources, there were 400 people present inside the church at the time of the attack. There were two attackers but they couldn’t get inside the premises. However, one of the attackers were killed whereas, the other one exploded himself after he was wounded by the police.
A clip after the attack:
Officials said that the death toll could have been in the scores had the police guards on duty not stopped the bombers on time from entering the church hall. We salute our police guards for this. This truly proves how humanity still prevails despite the differences in religious beliefs. However, later on, the Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Right after the attack, condemnations started to pour in by many famous personalities as they sent out prayers for the affected families. Here are a few of them:
Imran Khan
Strongly condemn terror attack on church in Quetta targeting our innocent citizens during their prayer service. The govt must ensure special protection for churches as Christmas approaches. My prayers go to the victims' families & for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 17, 2017
Major General Asif Ghafoor
“Quetta church attack targeting our brotherly Christian Pakistanis is an attempt to cloud Christmas celebrations / create religious cleavages. Effective response by LEAs is commendable. We stay united and steadfast to respond against such heinous attempts” COAS.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) December 17, 2017
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Outraged, frustrated and saddened by the terrorist attack in #Quetta. Cowards attack the weak, innocent and vulnerable. Adding insult to injury this attack comes a day after our PM declared his government had defeated terrorism. The apathy of the state sickens me.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 17, 2017
Shoaib Akhtar
Deeply saddened on the loss of precious lives in Quetta attack. My heart goes out to my PAK Christian community we are standing right by your side ..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) December 17, 2017
Iftikhar Firdous
At least 5 killed and 25 injured, including women in an attempted twon suicide bombing on a Catholic Church in #Quetta. One bomber was shot dead another blew himself. There are an estimated 125 worshippers in the Church on Sunday.
— Iftikhar Firdous (@IftikharFirdous) December 17, 2017
Asad Umar
Highly condemnable attack on church in quetta. The terrorists do not discriminate between church and mosque nor muslim and christian. Their aim is to cause harm to all Pakistanis. Hence even more important that all Pakistanis unite in the fight against these terrorists
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) December 17, 2017
We truly condemn this terrorist/cowardly attack on our minorities that is now happening way too often and it’s about time that we accept them in this country and value them as a minority. No matter what the religion is, no matter what the beliefs are, it’s our responsibility as citizens, as human beings to take care of others.
Our sincerest condolences to the affected families and may God give them the strength and patience to bear the tragic loss. Amen.
