At least 14 dead in bomb attacks at Pakistani churches
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, At least 14 dead in bomb attacks at Pakistani churches, 15 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d6d46.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 15, 2015
Officials say suicide bombers attacked two churches in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on March 15 as worshippers were gathered inside, killing 14 people.
Zahid Pervez, the provincial director-general of health, who gave the death toll, said at least 70 people were wounded.
Haider Ashraf, deputy inspector general for Lahore, said that, in the aftermath of the attacks, angry mobs burned to death one person they believed was involved in the incident and tried to lynch another.
The attacks occurred in quick succession in the Christian neighborhood of Youhana Abad at two churches while parishioners were celebrating Sunday services inside. The churches are about 600 meters apart.
A spokesman for a Pakistani Taliban faction claimed responsibility, saying it was the work of two suicide bombers.
"There will be more of such attacks," warned Ahsanullah Ahsan, a spokesman for the Taliban faction, in a statement emailed to reporters.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
