Pak Christians clash with police; want review of blasphemy law

Amid reports of clashes today between minority Christians and security forces in parts of Pakistan over the mysterious death of a youth from the community, human rights activists have asked the government to review the controversial blasphemy law under which the deceased was held.

Officials of the Sialkot district jail where Fanish Masih alias Robert (20) was detained claimed that he committed suicide by hanging himself yesterday.

However, leaders of the Christian community alleged that Masih was "tortured to death" by jail officials. They claimed the officials "staged a drama" about Masih committing suicide.

Reacting to the public outcry, the Punjab government today suspended the jail superintendent and his deputy over Masih's death.

Hundreds of people attended Masih's funeral. Dozens of young mourners began pelting stones at police, who resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear gas into the crowd in Sialkot.

The situation in Sialkot and adjoining areas continues to be tense. Eight Christians were killed last month when a mob of Muslims torched 40 houses and a church in Gojra, 160 kilometres west of Lahore, over alleged desecration of the Quran.

"We have been pushing for a review of the blasphemy law for years now. It is a law that was enacted during the dark days of the rule of the military ruler General Zia ul Haq and no government since then is willing to review it," senior Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) official and barrister Iqbal Haider said.