HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL’S CONDOLENCES OVER TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAKISTAN

DECR Communicatioin Service  – March 2016

His Excellency Mr. Nawaz SHARIF

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Your Excellency,

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

It was with profound grief that I learned about the appalling terrorist attack in Lahore that killed and injured many people, including women and children. Please accept my deep condolences.

I request you to convey my consolation and words of support to all those who lost loved ones and friends in this terrible tragedy. I wish the soonest recovery to the injured, and to the people of Pakistan – endurance and courage in this trial. I express my sincere compassion to the Christian communities whose members fell victim to the terrible atrocity on the day when many believers in the world were celebrating Holy Easter.

I ask you to do anything possible to defend the residents of your country, including Christians, from any encroachment on their life and strictly observe the right of every human person to freedom of religious belief.

I hope that the authorities of Pakistan will undertake special measures to combat terrorism. It is possible to stop it only by common efforts of the state and religious leaders and of all people of good will.

With deep condolences,

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA