Protests Erupt after Pakistan Church Bombings Kill 14

Suicide bombers attacked two churches in the Pakistani city of Lahore during services on Sunday (March 15). Charisma News reports 14 people were killed and 78 were injured in the bombings that were planned by Pakistan’s faction of the Taliban. 

The bombings were carried out in a Protestant church and a Catholic church that were in close proximity of each other. 

Witness Amir Masih said, "I was sitting at a shop near the church when a blast jolted the area. I rushed towards the spot and saw the security guard scuffle with a man who was trying to enter the church. After failing, he blew himself up.” 

According to police, angry residents killed and burned two men that they believed to be involved with the bombings immediately after the attacks. On Monday, about 5,000 people assembled in violent protests. According to Christian Today, protesters carried clubs and ransacked cars and a bus station. 

Christian community leader Jamran Michael called for peaceful protests as Christian schools were closed for funerals and prayer services. 

Publication date: March 16, 2015