PESHAWAR, March 10: Members of Christian community staged a protest demonstration here on Sunday to condemn the torching of over hundred houses of Christians by a mob in Badami Bagh, Lahore.

They demanded of the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the incident. The protesters gathered in Kohati area and after marching through different roads held a protest rally near Peshawar Press Club.

They blocked the Sher Shah Suri Road for some time and chanted slogans against the Punjab government and police for their failure to protect the properties of Christian community. The protesters were led by Anjum Gil, Yousuf George and Javed Piyara. Speaking on the occasion, the speakers demanded of the government to provide security to minorities as they were also citizens of Pakistan.

They said that there was no logic in punishing the entire community for wrongdoings of a single person. They said that instead of taking law into their hands those who torched the houses should have waited for the court’s decision, as the accused was already in police custody.

The community elders said that all religions preached love and humanity while some anti-state elements had been spreading unrest among Christians.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Members of Christian community here on Sunday demanded of the government to provide them protection.

Dozens of protesters staged a rally against the burning of houses of Christians in Lahore. The protesters marched from Sabzi Mandi to Rehmania Chowk in a procession. They were led by priest of Saint Jones Church Waseen Ayaz.

Mr Ayaz said that Christians had always struggled to strengthen Pakistan at all forums and followed the constitution of Pakistan. He demanded of the government to ensure provision of security to Christians and other minorities.