The National Commission for Justice and Peace, a rights based organization of Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, strongly condemned the horrific incident of bombing at the Shrine of Sufi Saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif. As per the reports up to 88 devotees were slain in the attack but the death toll is increasing by the hour as more than 340 were critically injured.

His Excellency Bishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, Chairman NCJP, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, National Director and Mr. Cecil S. Chaudhry Executive Director said in a joint statement that during the week our nation has been attacked almost 9 times by extremist forces. In the recent incident women, children and innocent devotees were targeted. They stated that the whole of Pakistan is bleeding and in order to fight terrorism we need to set aside all our differences and join hands to defeat this menace of extremism.

They appreciated the efforts of the doctors and medical staff helping the victims. They stated that every individual is accountable for the protection and safety of their fellow citizens and should report any suspicious activity or persons around them. They also stressed that the government needs to win the confidence of it its citizens by showing a serious resolve to dealing with this growing instability while taking on board the entire nation.

With heart and soul, they prayed from Almighty God for the gift of peace, while offering special prayers for the families of the dead and injured, imploring God to give them strength to overcome this irreparable loss of their loved ones and wish for a speedy recovery of those injured.

NCJP Media Cell