Two days after bombing, Peshawar remains in the grip of sorrow

PESHAWAR: The city remains in the grip of sorrow even after two days of the gruesome church bombing that left 83 people dead and caused injuries to over 100, Geo News reported.

Emotional scenes of sobbing, weeping and wailing can still be witnessed at the All Saints Church, Kohati Gate, which has now been reopened. The bloodstains have been washed from walls of this 19th century church. The courtyard is still littered with tiny shoes of young children and books of older kids, creating an atmosphere of gloom and doom.

The reeking smell of blood can still be felt in the area. A large number of Christians were present inside the church brimming with tears and tragic despondency visible on the faces of the impoverished segment of the society.

Two newly-wed brides, who had come to the church for attending Sunday Service, also fell prey to this beastly attack by terrorists while several children orphaned and scores of women widowed, now have no means to survive.

Primary School Headmaster Naim Nazir accompanied by his wife, two young daughters, brother and nephew had gone to the church to offer prayers of thanks on his promotion, unfortunately none survived the dreadful blast.

Government School teacher Naveed Shirazi along with his daughter and two sons also perished, while former councillor Joseph was killed in the second blast as he frantically searched for his grandson after the first.

There are many such untold tragic stories, like the five members of a family who lost their lives and that of Nazir, the lone brother of six sisters their deaths have made the atmosphere in the city all the more gloomy that will continue to haunt the memories of the grieving families.