Many Catholic churches in Karachi have been raising funds to help the victims of a deadly terrorist attack on Bethel Methodist Memorial Church in Quetta attack, Pakistan. St Patrick's Cathedral in Karachi is on a second round of collection and contribution.
After two bombers stormed the packed Christian church on Dec. 17 last year, nearly nine people were killed and 57 wounded.
An Islamic State affiliate group claimed responsibility for the killing.
In a letter written to Catholic priests, Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi urged Christians to support the victims by contributing generously at this difficult time.
"The loss is beyond our imagination. Looking at the number of deaths and injured and the damage to the church's property, it is difficult to compensate, especially those who lost their loved ones," said Coutts.
He has already collected and sent 300,000 Pakistani rupees (1.9 lakh Indian rupees) to the Quetta church with a hope that "this little contribution will be helpful for the people in need."
"I came to know that many of the injured are still in trouble and in pain due to the lack of facilities in state-run hospitals. It is saddening and I know it is expensive to get treatment on your own in private hospitals," he said.
The attacked church leadership is still hoping to receive help from the government.
"We are going through a tough time. The injured people are in much trouble and many have been moved to other private hospitals in Quetta, Karachi and Multan for better treatment," said Pr Simon Bashir, who is in charge of Bethel Methodist Memorial Church.
"One of our choir members is still under treatment after her intestines were damaged. The bags they are using to help her digestion cost around 1,500 rupees and have to be changed daily. Another choir member's daily expenses are 4,000 rupees due to a leg fracture," he added.
