LAHORE: Like other parts of the country, the Christian community thronged the churches of the provincial metropolis amid tight security to participate in the Palm Sunday services.

The security arrangements were further tightened at the two churches in Youhanabad where twin suicide blasts had occurred recently.

The Christians attended final prayers and took out processions, giving a message of peace.

Carrying date palm leaves and branches, they chanted slogans for maintaining peace in the country for which, they said, their forefathers had rendered sacrifices.

The main Palm Sunday services were held at Cathedral Church near Regal Chowk, Church of Pakistan (The Mall near High Court) and some other churches.

“Although the Christian community is already grieved due to Youhanabad blasts, they attended the palm services enthusiastically.

All churches in the city, including 78 in Youhanabad, were almost packed with worshippers, including thousands of women,” Joseph Francis, a minority activist told Dawn.

He said Bishops in their speeches gave a message of peace and declared post-blasts violence in Youhanabad a sin.

They advised the participants to keep themselves away from any violence and help the government in maintaining peace,” Mr Francis said.

He said no Bishop even demanded the arrest of those involved in twin blasts in Youhanabad on this sacred occasion.

The community members only sought peace and prayed for the country with all their hearts, he added. “Today we have to talk about peace only and nothing else,” he quoted various Bishops as having said.

He said the Christian community also appreciated the security arrangements.

BAZAARS: Various senior and junior officials visited Sunday bazaars to check prices of commodities, especially ghee and cooking oil.

Lahore Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal visited Sunday bazaars of Gulshan-i-Ravi and Shadman Town.

He checked the prices, rate lists and stock registers related to sale of ghee and oil, fruits and vegetable at different stalls. The commissioner asked the citizens about the reduced prices and availability of commodities.

Lahore DCO retired Captain Muhammad Usman, Assistant Commissioners Asma Ghazanfar and Amir Shafique visited Wahdat Colony, Moon Market and Shadman bazaars.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

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