Tension in Pakistan continues to rise

The number of damages caused by the Muslim attack on the Christian community in the city of Jaranwala in Punjab province reached more than 100 houses and 20 churches.

Last Wednesday, dozens of Christian houses and churches were set on fire in a several-hour riot after the publication of claims about the desecration of the Quran.

Last week, about 200 Christians gathered in a narrow alley leading to the burning Salvation Army church to pray.

The anti-blasphemy law in Pakistan is quite conservative and has been passed in order to impose the wishes of the Muslim majority. , which in case of unproven accusations of insulting Islam and its Prophet can lead to the death sentence.

Christians, who make up about two percent of Pakistan's population, occupy one of the lowest echelons of Pakistani society and are often the target of false accusations of blasphemy.

Punjab police chief Usman Anwar told AFP on Friday that more than 125 people had been arrested in connection with the vandalism and 12 others were being questioned for using mosque loudspeakers to call for violence.

_{Source: CN}