Pakistan: bombs damage bishop’s residence, Catholic schools

September 08, 2011

Two suicide bombings in Quetta--the capital of Pakistan’s western province of Balochistan--have damaged the home of Bishop Victor Gnanapragasam, the offices of Caritas, and three Catholic schools. The attacks’ primary target was a paramilitary force.

“I had just taken the roll-call when the blast echoed; the children started crying and screaming,” said a schoolteacher. “When I stepped outside, I could see body parts lying inside a giant smoke tomb rising in the sky.”

“Our country has reached the [nadir] of instability now,” added Father Cecil Paul. “Violence continues unendingly after the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden.”

 

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Further information:

• Quetta suicide attacks kill 24, schools hit (UCA News)
• Double Suicide Bombings Strike Southwest Pakistan (New York Times)