Pakistan Christians protest blasphemy riot

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LAHORE, Pakistan, March 10 (UPI) -- Christians chanted slogans critical of the Pakistani government Sunday at a rally protesting a riot sparked by allegations of blasphemy against Islam.

A Muslim mob Friday torched more than 175 Christian homes in Lahore after allegations were made that a Christian man had made blasphemous comments about the Prophet Muhammad.

Geo News said protesters hurled rocks at buses and tangled with police who fired shots in the air to disperse the crowds.

Police have arrested more than 100 people in the wake of Friday's violence and officials told GEO News said additional arrests were likely.

The national government ordered an investigation into the Muslim rampage and vowed to protect all citizens regardless of their religion. The newspaper News International said.

"The Christians are equal citizens of the land and must be given complete protection. Islam teaches tolerance and assures protection to life and property of non-Muslims," Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said Saturday.