Pakistan's bishops condemn Karachi police compound attack, call for justice

Pakistan’s Catholic bishops condemned an armed assault on a police compound in Karachi on Monday, saying the violence threatened the nation’s fragile peace and urging prayers for the victims. The attack, which involved a small group of gunmen firing on the gate of the Kotri Road police station, left three officers wounded and caused extensive damage to the facility. The bishops released a joint statement shortly after the incident, denouncing the act as “an affront to the rule of law and to the dignity of all Pakistanis.”

The strike comes amid a surge in attacks on security forces across the country. In recent months, police outposts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been targeted by militants and criminal gangs. Analysts link the rise in violence to a mix of sectarian strife, extremist propaganda and the lingering impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on law‑enforcement resources. Religious minorities, including Christians, have been especially vulnerable, facing both direct threats and collateral damage in broader security operations.

In their statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan said the Church stands in solidarity with the police and the families of the injured officers. Bishop Samson Shukardin, head of the conference, called the incident “a stark reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted.” He urged the government to bring the perpetrators to justice and appealed to all faith communities to work together to curb violence. The bishops also announced a day of prayer and fasting, inviting Muslims, Hindus and other religious groups to join in a collective appeal for calm.

Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation, deploying forensic teams to the scene and reviewing CCTV footage. Police officials promised swift action and warned that anyone found responsible will face the full force of the law. The incident has reignited calls for a national dialogue on security and interfaith cooperation, with civil‑society groups urging the government to address the root causes of extremism. As Pakistan grapples with ongoing security challenges, the bishops’ condemnation underscores the broader societal demand for stability, justice and mutual respect.