A mob in Pakistan has vandalized a Christian neighbourhood over allegations of blasphemy, in an incident that has once again turned the spotlight on the country's "blasphemy vigilantes."
Hundreds of people rioted in a Christian area of the north-eastern city of Sargodha.
“The law-and-order situation is under control and we have arrested around two dozen protesters,” said Khurram Ali, a spokesperson for the local police.
He said the timely intervention of the police saved lives but at least 20 policemen were injured in clashes with protesters.
At least one man from the community was transported to hospital with serious injuries, he said.
Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of the incident with some reports claiming a man was killed.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concerns over the situation and demanded safety for the community.
Rights activist Jibran Nasir said the state’s failure to take “serious and sincere” action against the perpetrators of a similar incident in the nearby city of Jaranwala last year has emboldened religious extremists.
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, with those accused of offences often targeted by extremist Muslim groups. In some cases, people have been shot, burned alive or bludgeoned to death.
In one such incident in 2020, a Pakistani-US citizen was shot and killed inside a courtroom during his trial.
The following year, a Sri Lankan national was tortured to death over blasphemy allegations.