Scores of angry Pakistani Christians took to the streets on Monday, protesting this weekend’s deadly church bombings and calling on the government to do more.
Suicide bombers attacked a Christian church during a Sunday free meal offering at All Saints Church in northwestern Pakistan. On Monday, authorities reported the death toll had climbed to 81, The Associated Press reported. More than 140 were injured.
The Taliban claimed responsibility — and said more was coming, if the United States doesn’t halt drone strikes.
Christians stung by the attack demanded the government in essence put up or shut up, in terms of striking a peace deal with the terrorist group and halting the insurgency that has spanned almost a decade.
“What dialogue are we talking about? Peace with those who are killing innocent people,” said Paul Bhatti, the head of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, in the AP report. Mr. Bhatti’s brother — a minister — was shot and killed by an Islamic terrorist in 2011.
“They don’t want dialogue,” he said. “They don’t want peace. Our state and our intelligence agencies are so weak that anybody can kill anyone anytime. It is a shame.”
SEE ALSO: Attack on Pakistani church kills 75 people, wounds 110
The protesters blocked roads around the country, AP reported. On one of the main roadways that leads into the capital city, Islamabad, protesters arranged tires and set them on fire, demanding the government step up its efforts to protect the country’s Christian minority.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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