SIALKOT, June 18: A district and sessions judge on Wednesday awarded death sentence and rigorous life imprisonment with a fine of Rs500,000 to a man in a case of blasphemy and desecration of Holy Quran.

According to the prosecution, the convict, Shafiq Latif of Kulluwal area of Sialkot tehsil, had committed blasphemy and desecrated copies of Holy Quran on March 17, 2006. The Head Marala police had arrested him after registering a case under the Blasphemy Act.

Strict security arrangements had been made in and around the court.

Sialkot District and Sessions Judge Suhaib Ahmad Roomi told newsmen that the verdict was based on Islamic laws.

Banners and posters welcoming the verdict were displayed at different places in the district.