GCIC condemns attack that killed more than 138 in Pakistan

Paying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved in the blast at India's neighborhood Pakistan, Global Council of Indian Christians condemned "reprehensible" bomb blast at the homecoming procession of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Karachi.

Reacting and denouncing the terrorist attack that killed 138 people and wounded another 400 in Pakistan, it urged governments to make determined efforts to curb terrorism instigated by religious fanatics.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Karachi yesterday. It is reprehensible that senior political figures are targeted in this way with such loss of innocent lives," said GCIC.

According to news sources, two blasts occurred near the vehicle that was carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto home after eight years in voluntary exile. Chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) Mr Bhatti was also present in the same convoy and suffered only minor injuries.

At least two of the minority groups Christian political activists were killed and its leader was injured when the bombs rocked the motorcade

“The attack occurred last night, after midnight, when the rally of hundreds of thousand of people was moving towards the tomb of the father of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah,” Mr Bhatti told AsiaNews.

"We condemn this dastardly act. The whole nation is shocked by this tragedy," said Victor Azariah, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Pakistan. "It is shocking that ordinary people who queued up enthusiastically to see Bhutto –– had to die like this."

The incident is a major blow for Christians and other minorities seeking more protection and democracy, with the arrival of Bhutto.

Meanwhile, Bhutto said, she would fight the cowards, including the terrorist organisations like Al–Qaeda and the Taliban.

"If it means sacrificing our lives, then we are prepared to risk our lives, but we are not prepared to surrender our great nation to the militants," said Bhutto.

The international community including the US, UK and the UNO has condemned the attacks and wished peace prevails in the country.