Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quetta (Agenzia Fides) - "A day of peace and celebration was transformed in a day of mourning and disaster. We must unite the efforts of Muslim and Christian citizens and all people of good will against terrorism", said the deacon Gulshan Barkat to Fides, who works in the Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta, after the heavy bombing this morning, August 31, in which a suicide bomber hit the mosque of the city, causing 11 deaths and at least 20 wounded, on the day of Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The deacon, who is part of a community of about 30 thousand Catholics, told Fides: "People live in fear. We are subjected to the risks of attacks by terrorist groups of different backgrounds: there are those who for years have fought for the independence of Balochistan (a province, and Quetta is part of this province) and groups of Taliban background, since the area borders with Afghanistan. The attack was very serious, it could have had even worse consequences, in a symbolic date for prayer and celebration, which is Eid, for the end of Ramadan. It means that terrorist groups do not want to leave this regionin peace, do not intend to grant a day of prayer and celebration".
"As Christians - the deacon concludes - we join in the mourning for our brothers of Muslim faith. We hope, however, that the day of Eid will be a day of dialogue and peace between Christians and Muslims, in Baluchistan and across the country. We hope that the state authorities take all necessary measures to counter terrorism that wants to bring chaos in the country. We want to help build peace in Pakistan. We will do our part, by praying and social commitment. "(PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/08/2011)
