Blast in Pakistan kills Christian woman, injures several others

Wednesday's bomb explosion in Pakistan has claimed the life of a Christian and injured several others.

The blasts, which occurred on the Christmas Eve in Lahore, killed a Christian woman identified as Farzana Masih. According to officials, Farzana's husband Salamat Masih too was critically injured after a mini truck laden with explosives detonated near their homes.

Other severely injured Christian men were identified as Shanawar Masih, Pervez Masih and four others.

The blast in fact very much worried the Christians, who were yet to celebrate Christmas, the following day. Police tightened security around churches and Christian institutions, ensuring safety for Christians.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani wished Christians on Christmas, including hosting a reception for them.

There are around 2.3 million Christians in the country out of which 48 per cent are Protestants and 52 per cent are Catholics.