Pakistan: Sindh Government Assures Tight Security for Churches During Holy Week

The Government of Sindh Province in Pakistan has assured the leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi of foolproof security during Holy Week celebrations.

Speaking to RVA, Fr. Arthur Charles, a senior priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi, said: “Every year the government provides security for our religious festivities, but this year we requested additional measures, taking into account the prevailing law and order situation as well as the overall security concerns.”

In mid-March, a seven-member delegation of the Archdiocese, led by Fr. Arthur Charles, met officials of the Home Department to discuss security arrangements.

Subsequently, on March 18, the Sindh Home Department issued a directive calling on the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Karachi, along with the leadership of the Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers, and traffic police, to prioritize security and ensure maximum protection for churches and the Christian community during Holy Week services.

The Inspector General of Sindh Police, in collaboration with the Pakistan Rangers, will implement the security plan with the support of district police officials and Station House Officers.

In addition to enhanced security, police officials have been instructed to ensure regular patrolling by mobile vans in areas surrounding churches. Traffic police have also been directed to maintain smooth vehicular flow to facilitate the movement of worshippers.

Fr. Arthur Charles thanked the Sindh government for its prompt and positive response. “I appreciate the government officials for recognizing the importance of the approaching Holy Days and for assuring us of comprehensive security,” he said.

Advocate Shahbaz Sahotra, legal advisor to the Archdiocese of Karachi, also expressed gratitude, noting that the request was made to ensure maximum protection for the Christian community during Holy Masses and other religious gatherings. He added that Station House Officers have been directed to meet parish priests to collect schedules of Holy Week services and to closely monitor peace and security in their respective areas.

Amid regional security concerns and tensions in the broader geopolitical context, including relations with neighboring countries, Church leaders in Karachi felt that additional protection was necessary during the Holy Week observances.

The delegation that met Home Department officials also included Fr. Edward Joseph, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Karachi, Fr. Mario Rodrigues, Fr. Ashir Iftikhar, Pervez Gill, and Noman Moris.