Caritas staff killed in bombing

This child now lives in a refugee camp in Pakistan. [CARITAS Internationalis]

CAFOD offers condolences to colleagues in Caritas Pakistan following the news that one member of staff has been killed and at least ten injured by the bombings in Lahore

Pauline Taylor–McKeown, Head of International Programmes Asia, said: "We are deeply sorry to hear of the devastation and loss of life the bombings in Lahore caused today.

"We are particularly saddened to hear that one staff member died and at least 10 staff from our partner Caritas Pakistan were injured.

"Caritas Pakistan works to improve the lives of the poor throughout the country and we are deeply concerned that now they have been affected by the violence.

"We offer our prayers and sympathy to colleagues and their families who have been touched by today’s violence, together with all those affected."

Latest figures say that 28 people died and 150 were injured in the blasts.

The Gatekeeper from Caritas Lahore, and the young daughter of the Bishop’s driver died and at least ten Caritas staff members were injured.

Caritas staff immediately responded by taking the injured to hospital and comforting the families of the dead.

Caritas Pakistan was founded in 1965 and runs development and emergency response programmes throughout the country with no regard to race, religion, or political affiliation.

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organisation for 162 national Catholic charities including Caritas Pakistan, would like to see an end to the violence in the country.

For more information contact Mel Beardon, CAFOD Press Office, 020 7095 5541 or 07785 950 585 or mbeardon@cafod.org.uk