Double Suicide Attack on Church in Peshawar

It was a typical Sunday morning in Peshawar.

Hundreds of worshippers at the Sunday Mass in the historic All Saints Church were about to leave... when suddenly two bombers blew themselves up...

40-year-old doctor Ghazanfar Mashee was inside the church with his wife and son, who suffered minor injuries.

“There was complete darkness all around. Two bombers destroyed the church and there were arms and limbs everywhere. The scene was horrifying. It was really beyond anyone’s imagination.”

It was by far the worst attack against Pakistan’s Christian minorities, who make up less than 2 percent of the population.

At least 80 people were killed in the attack and more than 100 others were wounded.

Sidra Mashee lost her mother, brother, uncle and cousin.

“We have lost the whole family...more than 5 of them are dead. We have lost our brothers and sisters and our mother. There is nothing is left for us now.”

Demonstrations were then held in many cities across Pakistan to protest against the attack... demanding the authorities do more for minorities.

After the attack, the goverment declared three days of mourning.

Nisar Ali is Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

“We appologise to the Christian community in Pakistan. It’s the deadliest attack by the terrorist. We are standing with the Christian community in this tragic hour.”

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Survivors and family members gathered at the church to console each other.... but they also accused the government of failing to protect Christians.

The government has been criticised for being too soft on Taliban militants and favouring peace talks over military action.

Sulman Khan is from the Peshawar Police.

“We’re trying to investigate this matter, but we still don’t have any clues and have been unable to find out anymore information about the culprit. There’s a lot of confusion as no one has yet accepted responsibility for the attack.”

But two militant groups have claimed responsibility – and both have past links to the Pakistani Taliban.

They said it was in response to US drone strikes.

However, the Pakistan Taliban has condemend the attack.

Muslim scholars, like Moulana Abdul Razzaq, are concerned about the effect the attacks will have on the country’s religious harmony.

“Islam doesn’t allow anyone to kill. This is against the teaching of Islam. Those who are carrying out such attacks are actually not human beings... they’re animals and beasts!”

Burials have been taking place in Peshawar following the double suicide bombing.

45-year-old school teacher Muhammad Ijaz is lighting candles for the deceased.

“The recent incident is one of the most horrible and shameful attacks on a peaceful and loving people. The Christians are the most caring and loving. They don’t harm anyone. The incident also raises questions about the security agencies in Pakistan.”