Bomber Kills 40, Injures 70 In Pakistani Church

Islamabad, Sept 23, IRNA – A suicide bomber killed at least 40 people and injured dozens more in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Sunday, police and health officials said. The bomber succeeded to enter the church in Peshawar when Christians were performing services on Sunday, they said. Deputy Commissioner, Zaheer-ul-Islam confirmed 40 people died and nearly 70 were injured in one of the deadliest attacks on Christians. The injured were shifted to a hospital whose doctors said several injured were in critical condition. Four women and four children were among those killed in the deadly attack. Officials said nearly 600 Christians were inside the church at the time of the suicide attack. The blast also damaged the church which is one of Pakistan's oldest churches. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. The government blames Taliban militants for such attacks. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the bomb blast, saying targeting innocent people is against the teachings of Islam and all religions. He added that such cruel acts reflect the brutality and inhumane mind set of the terrorists. He expressed solidarity with the Christian community and deeply sympathized with the bereaved family and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the blast./end