Pakistan: Dozens Arrested After Attack on Christian Clergyman and Son

Police in eastern Pakistan have arrested dozens of Muslims following an assault on a Christian clergyman and his son on accusations of "desecrating pages of the Quran." Police official Asad Ijaz Malhi reported that "a mob erupted on Saturday after local residents found burned pages of the Quran outside the home of the Christian men and accused the son of being behind the act, which led to the setting ablaze of the men's house and shoe factory in Sargodha city in Punjab province, as well as the beating of the son." Malhi added that police saved the injured men and took them to a hospital, where their condition is stable. He mentioned that at least 33 men have been arrested following multiple police raids, and authorities are pursuing others "who may have been involved in the attack." Local residents and police stated that "the fire completely burned down the factory and parts of the house." The Punjab police indicated in a statement that they have increased security measures at churches. It is noteworthy that blasphemy accusations are common in Pakistan. Under the country's blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of "insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can face the death penalty."