FAISALABAD, Nov 25: An anti-terrorism court on Saturday convicted two Christians of desecration of the Holy Quran and sentenced them to 15-year imprisonment with a fine of Rs25,000 each.

Nishatabad police had arrested cousins James Masih, 57, and Boota Masih, 55, on Oct 8 and submitted a charge-sheet in the anti-terrorism court.

The incident took place in Munirabad. On hearing the news, people of the area had gathered outside James' house, where he, with Boota, had allegedly burnt the holy pages.

Police had registered the case on the complaint of one Arshad Mubarik.

Both the accused were booked under Sections 295-B of the PPC and seven of the ATA.

The home department also recently directed the local administration to initiate a probe into the matter.