PAKISTAN – Anti-Christian Riots Prompt Look at Laws

August 7, 2009

 

PAKISTAN

 

Pakistan’s prime minister pledged Thursday to review laws that may be sharpening tension among the country’s religious communities, days after a Muslim mob burned houses in rioting that killed eight Christians.

 

The killings Saturday in the eastern city of Gojra came amid concerns that rising extremist Islam has deepened the vulnerability of Pakistan’s minorities.

 

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani’s announcement suggested that the government may seek to change Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which can carry the death penalty for those convicted of insulting Islam, the prophet Muhammad or the Koran.

 

— Associated Press