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Caritas Staff Killed in Pakistan Bomb Blast

SCIAF’s Chief Executive, Paul Chitnis, has expressed his sadness following news that Caritas staff were among 20 people killed in a bomb blast in Pakistan.

At around 9.15am today, Tuesday 11th March, a suicide bomber released four large bombs targeting the State Investigation Bureau just in front of the Catholic Compound in Lahore.

The Catholic Compound is home to the Bishop and Diocesan offices, the Church, Caritas Lahore, the St Anthony School and the convent. At least 20 people have been killed including a child from the school. Many people have been injured, including two Caritas Lahore staff. Two visitors to the Catholic Compound, are still unaccounted for.

SCIAF (Caritas Scotland) Chief Executive, Paul Chitnis said: “This is an incredibly sad time and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our Caritas colleagues who have lost their lives in Pakistan this week. These horrific attacks are a stark reminder of the very real dangers faced by Caritas partners, not just in Pakistan, but in the many other challenging environments around the world we work in.”

The Compound buildings have been severely damaged. Staff from the Caritas National Office (situated about ten minutes from the Comound) heard the explosions but were not directly affected. They rushed to the aid of their Caritas Lahore colleagues.

At this time of serious tensions within Pakistan, the work of Caritas in reconciling people and building peace are more important than ever.

Further information visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7288953.stm.