Religious Tensions Escalate in Pakistan as Blasphemy Accusations Lead to Church Burnings and Arrests

Two Christian brothers have been arrested in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy after a Muslim mob burned churches and houses, accusing the brothers of desecrating the Quran. Pages of the Quran with derogatory comments were found in the street, with the suspects' identities attached. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and accusations are sometimes used to settle scores. The violence lasted for 10 hours, with thousands of Muslims carrying weapons. The police have arrested 128 people involved in the mob attack, and caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar has promised to protect minorities.