Pakistani Taliban Attacks Christian Church in Peshawar by Maria Sanchez
The all Saint Church in Peshawar, Pakistan has provided Christians and Muslims with a place to peacefully coexist. It has been a symbol of interfaith cooperation since it was built in 1883. This harmony was maintained until two suicide bombers attacked the church as people were pouring out of mass. One attacker exploded his vest inside while the other one exploded outside.
At least 85 people were killed in this attack. Christians claim that this has been the worst crime that their people have suffered in Pakistan’s history. So they acted out in response.
Following the attacks, crowds blocked streets, people demanded government protection, and some even burned tires. Mission schools closed for three days.
The attack has started conversations. Some said that the government was to blame for their failure to guard minorities against hate crimes. This event was also sparking heated debates over starting peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban.
“Pakistan’s politicians are failing at answering the most basic of questions — about what kind of Pakistan they want to shape and lead,” said Cyril Almeida, a writer with Dawn newspaper. “Whether out of sympathy, fear or cowardice, no one is willing to stand up to radical Islamists and say: ‘No, enough is enough. We are taking our country back.’ ”
Generally poor and hard-working, Pakistani Christians are already accustomed to prejudice. Muslim mobs have attacked slums and others have burned down hundreds of houses. Either way, this attack was very damaging. It was considered an attack on Pakistan as a country, not just the Christian minority. It was the first time that bombs had been used to attack Christians.
Imran Khan, former cricket star and current supporter of peace talks with the Taliban was shaken up by this attack. He condemned whoever was in charge of the bombing. While government officials are caught up in their debates over what to do about the peace talks, the Taliban continues to violently attack minorities as well as drive deeper divisions than the ones pre-existing in Pakistan.
