Gojra's anti-Christian riots force Gilani to review 'blasphemy laws'

Islamabad, Aug. 7 (ANI): Following his visit to riot-hit Gojra, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has hinted at changing the blasphemy law in a bid to facilitate "religious harmony" in the country.

Eight Christians were burnt alive last month over blasphemy allegations in Gojra.

"A committee will discuss the laws detrimental to religious harmony to sort out how they could be improved," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

He did not specify which ones, but his announcement suggests the government may seek to change blasphemy laws.

Gilani did not give a timeframe for the review - which is likely to face tough resistance from the Pakistani religious conservatives.

Also, on his visit to Gojra, Gilani designated August 11 as "a day for minorities" apart from announcing a 100-million-rupee compensation for the Christian victims.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif - who was accompanying Gilani - said no sum of money could heal the wounds of the victims. (ANI)