Talibani spalili kršćane u Pakistanu

Christian minorities in Pakistan protest against sectarian violence that saw seven burnt alive in their homes at the weekend.

A family destroyed; a community in mourning.

Pakistani Christians in the Punjabi town of Gojra are picking up the pieces after sectarian violence at the weekend claimed seven Christian lives - including a young child.

Among the mourners are brother and sister Shahbaz and Najma, who lost six members of their close family.

(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SHAHBAZ MASIH WHO LOST SIX FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE VIOLENCE, SAYING:

"Our family is almost finished. They were all burnt alive; my father was shot dead. Those who were hiding inside were sprayed with chemicals and set on fire."

(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) NAJMA, MARRIED DAUGHTER OF THE ATTACKED FAMILY WHO LIVES IN ANOTHER CITY, SAYING:

"They were all hiding in one room. There was no way to get out because the fire was raging all around."

Trouble flared after rumours spread that Christians had desecrated a Koran - an offence punishable by death in Muslim Pakistan.

A preliminary investigation has found that the allegations are baseless.

Authorities say militants exploited the rumours to foment sectarian bloodshed.

Exactly who is responsible isn't yet clear but police are investigating several government officials and over 800 others.

Across the country Christians protested against the killings.

In Gojra funerals have already been held.

The authorities are appealing for calm.

Lily Grimes, Reuters.