Car Bombing at Bible Society Injuries Eleven

15 January 2004

A car bombing outside the Bible Society office in Karachi in southern Pakistan on January 15, 2004, injured at least eleven people. Prior to the attack, police had received notice that the Bible Society office would be targeted and so were on guard when the explosion happened. A motorcycle drove by and a small explosive device, possibly a fire cracker, was thrown at the officers. Several minutes later, while investigating the first explosion, a nearby car bomb exploded. Several vehicles in close proximity were destroyed and one wall of the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church was seriously damaged. Among the injured are six police officers and two employees of the Bible Society, none seriously. Click here for pictures of the attack.

^{Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Karachi}

This is the first attack of this type against Christians in Pakistan in over a year. No one has yet claimed responsibility. According to VOM spokesman, Glenn Penner, "I have a deep concern that this is only the beginning of a rising swell of violence against Christians in Pakistan. Islamic militantism is by no means under control in this nation. We need to be praying for the government of Pakistan and praying that Christians will be wise in knowing how to conduct themselves in these increasingly dangerous days."

Pray for a quick recovery for those injured in this attack. Pray that those responsible will be brought to justice.

For more information on persecution in Pakistan, click here.

Pakistan

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
Country Information
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

Religion (%)
Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

Leader
President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Common law system with Islamic law influence

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Pakistan
Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.