Swift Response Saves Community from Bomb Attack


The main gate to the Warsak Dam Christian Colony.
Photo: World Watch Monitor

Christians in northwest Pakistan narrowly escaped with their lives after security forces foiled a suicide bomb plot against them. Security guard Samuel Masih opened his community's main gate to four Taliban bombers -- and died in a hail of bullets. Two other guards were injured, as were two soldiers and a policeman.

However, the swift response of Samuel's colleagues meant that a greater tragedy was averted. One of the suicide bombers was killed after igniting his bomb, but thankfully there were no other casualties as a result of the blast. Security officials intervened by killing the three other suicide bombers.

The 30 Christian families residing within the gated community near Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were unharmed. The Pakistani Taliban reported that the bombers carried out this attack on Friday, September 2nd. The same extremist group involved in this attack claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attack that took place in Lahore on March 27th of this year -- resulting in more than 70 killed and numerous others injured. Information on the Lahore bombing incident can be reviewed here.

Pray that God will comfort and provide for Samuel's widow, Razia, and their five children. Ask the Lord to heal Samuel's colleagues who were injured in this recent attack, offering praise that the lives of those residing within the gated community were spared. Also continue to uphold the families still experiencing the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attack in Lahore. May all our brothers and sisters throughout Pakistan receive the assurance that they are not forgotten by their global Christian family. May God strengthen their faith -- and our solidarity with them.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.