On 15 March 2015, Taliban suicide bombers targeted two churches in Youhanabad – a predominantly Christian area of Lahore. They detonated their bombs, killing 21 people and injuring over 70 others who had gathered to worship on Easter Sunday.

The tragedy sparked violent protests in which a mob attacked and killed two Muslim men, who were wrongly suspected of being involved in the church bombings.

In response to this lynching, the government arrested over 100 young men with insufficient evidence. The authorities appeared to use this as an opportunity to target religious minorities, as 41 Christians were imprisoned for nearly five years, during which two died. The rest were acquitted in January 2020.

For updates on this developing situation visit csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 13 March

Many different families and communities were impacted by the series of incidents in Youhanabad: the church attacks, the violent protests, the lynching and the unjust arrests that followed. Ask God to bring comfort and peace to everyone who still feels the pain of grief, seven years on.

Monday 14 March

Pakistan is a beautifully diverse country, yet religious minorities are vulnerable to discrimination, violence and accusations of blasphemy. Pray today for healing and understanding to grow between all religious communities in Pakistan.

Tuesday 15 March

Today is the seventh anniversary of the twin suicide bombings in Youhanabad, Lahore. Spend two minutes in silent reflection for the 21 people who lost their lives, the many who were injured, and all those who lost loved ones that day.

Wednesday 16 March

Romans 12:15 reminds us to ‘weep with those who weep’ (NLT). With this in mind, pray today for the families of the two Muslim men who were lynched during the violent protests. May they find peace and comfort, seven years on.

Thursday 17 March

Many of those who were unjustly arrested after the Youhanabad lynching were the breadwinners of their families. We thank God that they were eventually acquitted and ask that he continues to provide for their families, who endured nearly five years of difficulties.

Friday 18 March

Lift up in prayer all those who are vulnerable in Pakistan because of their religion or beliefs. Pray that the Pakistani government will increase their commitment to protecting places of worship for people of all faiths so that terrorist incidents – like the Youhanabad attacks – never happen again.

Saturday 19 March

Father God, we lament at the series of terrible incidents sparked by the church bombings in Youhanabad. We lift up the many communities who were affected, and ask that you replace any anger, bitterness or division with forgiveness, understanding and peace. Amen.

Descargue una copia imprimible del Diario de Oración de esta semana.