Churches vandalised in Pakistan over blasphemy allegations

Christian leaders say the police were spectators. Pic/Twitter

Several churches were vandalised in Pakistan's Punjab province on Wednesday over blasphemy allegations, officials said. The Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church and Shehroonwala Church situated in the Isa Nagri area in the Jaranwala district of Faisalabad were ransacked, said tehsil pastor Imran Bhatti.

He added that the house of a Christian cleaner, who was accused of blasphemy, was also demolished. Punjab police chief said the police were negotiating with the protesters and the area had been cordoned off.

"The assistant commissioner of the area, a member of the Christian community, has also been evacuated after people turned against him," Anwar added. However, Christian leaders alleged that the police remained silent spectators.

Minorities including Christians and Hindus in Pakistan have frequently been subjected to blasphemy allegations with some even punished.

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