By: Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR: The 13th anniversary of the tragic suicide attacks on All Saints Church at Kohati Gate, Peshawar, was observed with a special prayer ceremony held at the church on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by families of the victims, members of the Christian community, Minority MPA Askar Parvez, representatives of the Diocese of Peshawar, and other political, social and religious figures.
The participants offered special prayers for the departed souls and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. Candles were lit in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Flowers were also laid at the memorial, while floral bouquets were placed alongside photographs of the victims as a tribute to their memory and sacrifices.
Speaking on the occasion, All Saints Church priest Shahzad Murad offered prayers for the victims and their families. He said that despite 13 years having passed since the tragedy, the wounds of the incident remained fresh in the hearts of the affected families.
He paid tribute to the victims and said that the grief of the bereaved families could never be forgotten and that the memory of those who lost their lives would remain alive.
Special prayers were also offered for peace and security in the country, religious harmony, interfaith tolerance, brotherhood and the elimination of terrorism.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to remembering the victims of terrorism and continuing efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, harmony and brotherhood in society.
Peshawar SP City Shahid Adnan Khalil also attended the ceremony along with officials of the Diocese of Peshawar and expressed sympathy and solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
It may be recalled that on September 22, 2013, suicide attacks took place at All Saints Church, Kohati Gate, Peshawar, after a Sunday worship service, resulting in the deaths and injuries of a large number of people. The 13th anniversary of the tragic incident was observed today with prayers and tributes for the victims.
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