Pakistani relatives react as they mourn over the body of a blast victim during a funeral ceremony in Lahore on Feb. 14. Pakistanis mourned the victims of a Taliban-claimed suicide bomb in Lahore on Feb. 13, as the death toll rose to 15 and the city's residents railed at the government for failing to protect them. (Photo by Arif Ali/AFP)
An interfaith group in Pakistan has bestowed posthumous awards on two senior police officers killed in a suicide bombing during a protest outside the Punjab provincial assembly on Feb. 13.
Zahid Gondal, a senior superintendent, and Syed Ahmad Mobin, Lahore's chief traffic officer, were among six policemen who died in the blast. Nine other people were also killed in the attack claimed by the Pakistan Taliban.
Interfaith group, Bright Future Society, said the two officers deserved its patriotic award for their selfless dedication in serving the public in the face of extreme danger.
The group's patron, Archbishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore, announced the award at the Lahore Press Club on Feb. 21.
"Terrorists have attacked mosques, churches and other public places and shattered peace and inter-faith harmony in the country. But we are proud of our brave security officers who give their lives to protect others," Archbishop Shah said before praying for the families of the deceased victims.