ICC Note:
In memorial services across Pakistan, Christians have stepped forward to mourn with the nation over the attack on a school in Peshawar last Tuesday. The attack left over 140 students and teachers dead and many more wounded. The Pakistani Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said that it was the perfect revenge against Pakistan’s army for their ground campaign that started against them in June. Across Pakistan, Christians are altering their Christmas plans in order to mourn the loss in Peshawar. Many have said that they are dedicating this Christmas to those who were killed in the attack.
12/19/2014 Pakistan (Express Tribune) – As a mark of respect for the victims of the Peshawar incident, Christians in the twin cities have decided to keep Christmas celebrations low-key.
Muslim-Masehi Ittehad Chairman Sameul Yaqub told The Express Tribune that “It isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas with full zeal and enthusiasm when the country was still mourning”.
He said Pakistani Christians stand with their Muslim brothers and sisters. “We consider all these children as our family members and will dedicate this Christmas to them,” he said.
Yaqub further said that they stopped preparing for Christmas the day the attack took place.
“On December 25, we will go to churches to say prayers for these martyrs and for peace and prosperity in the country,” he added.
People from different walks of life gathered at the Youth Hostel on Thursday to pay tribute to the martyrs of Army Public School, Peshawar and express solidarity with families of the victims.
The event was organized by the Youth Hostel Association where majority of the speakers expressed solidarity with the mothers of children who lost their children through poems.
A poem recited by Bushra Nisar, an associate professor at IMCG, brought tears to the eyes of the participants.
Addressing the participants, former ambassador Qazi Humayun, a trustee of Pakistan Youth Hostels Association, said, “We reap what we sow, and this is what is happening in Pakistan right now.”
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