Pakistan: Easter Terrorist Attack Foiled
By UCA News
By Kamran Chaudhry
Church officials have thanked Pakistan security and intelligence agencies for a foiling major terrorist attack in Lahore planned for Easter.
Security forces killed a terrorist and arrested a female suspect in a special operation near Punjab Housing Societies in Lahore, according to a press release from Inter Services Public Relations.
The military’s media wing added that four soldiers were injured. Suicide jackets and explosive material was recovered from the suspects.
Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shah of Lahore exchanged bouquets with police officials amid applause at the concluding Easter vigil Mass on April 16. Senior Superintendent of Police Ali Raza shared Easter greetings with the congregation at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lahore.
“Kindly cooperate with security personals on duty, they are for your own protection. Keep a watchful eye on your surroundings even when worshiping. Report any suspicious item or person,” he said.
“We thank our police and army for the protection. They remained vigilant day and night during our services. But the real security is from above,” said Father Jahanzeb Iqbal, rector of the cathedral.
Security remained tight on all churches of the city where 72 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a recreational park in Lahore on Easter 2016. More than 25 police officials remained on guard during five Easter Masses at the Catholic cathedral. They were aided by more than 30 youth volunteers.
