PESHAWAR: Representatives of various faiths on Monday condemned the uploading of blasphemous post on social media about Jesus Christ and his companions and demanded strict action against the culpable people.

Addressing a joint news conference at the Peshawar Press Club, leaders of various religions in Peshawar led by Bishop of Peshawar Diocese Humphrey Safaraz Peter said members of Christian community were busy in efforts for the promotion of peace and interfaith harmony in society but unfortunately their religious sentiments were hurt by blasphemous posts on social media about Christ and his companions.

Mr. Safaraz appealed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to order inquiry into the matter for vigorous punishment of the culpable people under blasphemy law.

He said Christ and his companions preached truth, honesty, tolerance and peace but certain elements wanted to promote intolerance and chaos in society by campaigning against them.

The bishop also appealed to the Supreme Court chief justice to ensure strict action against those posting blasphemous caricatures on social media.

He warned Christian community would stage countrywide demonstrations until blasphemers were arrested and punished.

Hindu leader Haroon Sarab Diyal and Sikh elder Sardar Charanjeet Singh Sagar asked government to take steps on the issue to the satisfaction of Christian community.

They said Pakistan was the country of both local Muslims and non-Muslims and that they were committed to remaining peaceful and sincerely working for national development.

Islamic scholar Maqsood Ahmad Salafi said Muslims held all prophets in high esteem and that those involved in their blasphemy were like terrorists, who deserved no mercy.

Religious scholar Allama Kararvi demanded action against the people trying to pit the people of different religions against each other.

He said all prophets were esteemed for Muslims and that their blasphemers should be strictly punished.

Islamic scholar Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor said Interfaith Friends, an organisation of the representatives ofvarious religions, was trying to maintain religious harmony and would oppose all those trying to divide the people in the name of sects and religions.

University of Peshawar former vice-chancellor Prof Qibla Ayaz stressed the need for stronger religious harmony in the society for peace.