Churches vandalised in Pakistan's Punjab province over blasphemy allegations

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, Imran Bhatti, the pastor of the Jaranwala tehsil, was quoted as saying by Dawn.com.

Bhatti added that the house of a Christian cleaner, who was accused of blasphemy, was also demolished.

Punjab police chief Usman Anwar said the police were negotiating with the protesters and the area had been cordoned off.

The official said that efforts were underway to contain the situation by engaging with peace committees and police across the province were activated.

However, Christian leaders alleged that the police remained silent spectators.

President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan Azad Marshall said that "Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harassed having been falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran.

Bishop Marshall added that all priests, bishops and lay people were deeply pained and distressed at the incident.

Former senator Afrasiab Khattak condemned the incident and demanded that the culprits be brought to book.

Minorities including Christians and Hindus in Pakistan have frequently been subjected to blasphemy allegations and some were tried and even sentenced under the tough blasphemy law.