Pakistan increases church security after attacks

(November 15, 2010) Pakistan police deployed heavy security around Lahore’s two Christian cathedrals following a gun and bomb attack on the head office of the Crime Investigation Department in Karachi last week. Lahore police beefed up security around important local buildings including the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Cathedral Church of Resurrection after 21 people were killed and one hundred injured in the Karachi incident. The police characterized the attack as a response to the arrest of terrorists affiliated with terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. General traffic leading to Sacred Heart Cathedral was blocked and only Catholics were allowed to enter the Church premises on Sunday. The main gate of the cathedral remained closed and an alternative route was used to permit the congregation to enter amid tight security. Barricades were erected around both cathedrals with sandbags posted at all entrances. “Avoid going to crowded places; protect your self before saving the children in case of a suicide bombing,” advised Vicar General Father Andrew Nisari in his Sunday sermon. Catechist Emanuel Shaad of Sacred Heart Cathedral told Ucanews agency that people have become irritated with perpetual violence and death. “Yet the Cathedral remains jam-packed and the faithful are undeterred by terrorist threats,” he said.