(August 27, 2011) Clergy worry about continuing terrorism threat as more than a million
Young pilgrims are due to be gathered at the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad
next month. A priest has called on security agencies to provide “functional” security
for travelers during this year’s annual pilgrimage to the National Marian Shrine in
Mariamabad. Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine in Punjab province,
scheduled for September 9-11. Fr Ashraf Gill head of security for the event said he
is holding meetings with police officials to discuss security arrangements, while
parishes around the country have begun arranging tour buses to transport pilgrims.
The threat of terrorism has led organizers to enlist additional assistance. Security
concerns have rapidly become a priority as the country’s top Catholic leaders are
expected to join the pilgrimage. Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, the Venezuelan Nuncio
to Pakistan, will lead the inaugural procession, while four bishops will celebrate
the morning Eucharist.