Pakistan: Deadly attack on Christians in Quetta (Balochistan) April 15

Event

On Sunday, April 15, at least two members of the Christian community were killed and five others injured in an attack carried out near a church in Quetta. The incident occurred when worshippers were leaving Sunday service at a church in the Essa Nagri area of the provincial capital. The assailants, riding a motorbike, opened fire on the Christians before fleeing the scene.

Context

Attacks on the minority Christian community (1% of the total Pakistani population of 205 million) are frequent in the state capital of Balochistan. Earlier this month, four members of a Christian family were killed in a gunfire attack on Quetta's Shah Zaman Road. In December 2017, nine people were killed (and 30 more injured) in a suicide attack on the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church, located on Zarghoon Road in Quetta.

Advice

As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout Balochistan province, Western governments usually advise their citizens against all nonessential travel to Quetta. Remain vigilant at all times and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.