ASIA/PAKISTAN - Attacks in Lahore have also left some Catholic structures severely damaged

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - The double suicide-bombing on March 11, in Lahore (Punjab province), has left 26 people dead, over 100 injured, and severe damages to structures and buildings. The two terrorist attacks, occurring almost simultaneously, were inflicted by two cars driven by suicide-bombers. The first exploded in front of the local headquarters of the Federal Investigation Agency, in the city’s downtown area. The building that is now partially destroyed, is also the headquarters for antiterrorist instructors form the United States that support local investigators, which is probably the principal target in the attack. Moments later, a second attack was launched near the office of an advertising company in a residential area. Among the victims killed were two children.
As a result of the attacks, some Catholic structures have suffered severe damages, as well: the Pauline Center of the Daughters of St. Paul, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Residence, a Catholic school, the Caritas Pakistan center, the Catholic printing company, and the house for catechists. In a statement from the General Curia of the Daughters of St. Paul, Agenzia Fides was told, “our sisters were in the library with their co-workers at the time of the attack. They were extremely terrified, as they watched the roof and walls cave in, but our saints have protected them once more from any personal injuries. Our saints’ images themselves remained intact, while everything else in their immediate vicinity was destroyed. During this time, the sisters have been working to prepare Easter celebrations. They will proceed with courage and will start anew with confidence in the Lord and in their Pauline vocation. We accompany them with our fraternal love, our prayer, and our support. They will surely be in need of our generous assistance.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2008 righe 23, parole 288)