Brussels, 23/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 23 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack on All Saints Church in Peshawar (Pakistan) the previous day. Ashton called on the government of Pakistan “to take stronger action to ensure the protection of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or belief”. She also called for all those who incite and carry out acts of terrorism to be brought to justice. “We encourage all Pakistanis to work together to promote and ensure tolerance and mutual understanding”, Ashton added.
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in front of the congregation at the time of the church service, leaving a provisional estimate of 81 dead and 145 wounded. This is a most deadly attack on the Christian minority in Pakistan, which represents 1.6% of the 180 million inhabitants. (CG/transl.fl)