A vigil is to be held in Blackburn this afternoon, Sunday, to pray for peace in Pakistan following news of violence against Christians in the city of Jaranwala. 

On Thursday, police arrested more than 100 Muslims in overnight raids after a Muslim mob attacked churches and homes of minority Christians, prompting authorities to summon troops to restore order.

The attack by the mob was prompted by the alleged desecration of the Koran by a Christian man.

The burning of the churches (some 20 or more at the last count), houses and Bibles and has resulted in many having to flee their homes in fear of violence.

The Diocese of Blackburn says it is deeply troubled by the news of violence against Christians in the east of the country, with the Vicar of St James' and St Stephens' condemning the atrocities. 

Rev. Dr Sarah Gill said: "There was a brutal desecration of more than 20 churches, hundreds of bibles burned and the graves of Christians damaged as well.

"This started with false blasphemy accusations and the Christian community fled from their homes to save their lives. 

"We are holiding a vigil at 4pm on Sunday (August 20) and hoping and praying for the peace and for the perpetrators to repent for committing such heinous crimes, causing destruction and division.

"Some of the clergy in Blackburn is from Pakistan and there are family links too.

"We strongly condemn this violence against Christians.

"A call is made to churches in Pakistan to hold this day as a prayer day."

The caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan has called for swift action against those responsible and the Diocese of Blackburn says it prays for all impacted by the violence, as well as the clergy and lay leaders of the churches who serve them.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Blackburn said: "We have many links to Pakistan and we view these as extremely important."

The prayer vigil for peace in that area will be held at St James Church, Blackburn, at 4pm. 

All are welcome from across the county and beyond and the service will be live streamed through St James’ social media sites including here on Facebook. 

A retiring offering will be taken up to support Christian families facing persecution in the area. 

Rev. Dr Sarah Gill added: "This is an injustice and it's against humanity and it shouldn't be based on religion or anyone.

"We need respect and we condemn the atrocities. 

"If people would like to pray for peace and justice and harmony among the people in Pakistan they are invited to the vigil."

There were no casualties as Christians living in a residential area in the city of Jaranwala in the Faisalabad district moved to safer places following one of the country’s most destructive attacks against Christians.

Christians slowly returned to their homes Thursday, only to see the destruction of at least one church that was burned.

Four other churches were also damaged and two dozen homes were torched or badly damaged during the riots.

Christians consoled each other outside their damaged homes, as many women wept and cried over the destruction. Those whose homes were burned had no idea where to go or what to do now.

Delegations of Muslim clerics arrived in Jaranwala to help calm the situation, as troops and police patrolled the area.

Local authorities shut schools and offices and banned rallies for a week to prevent more violence.

The violence drew nationwide condemnation, with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar ordering police to ensure the rioters are arrested.

On Thursday, Rizwan Khan, the regional police chief, said 129 suspects had been arrested and the situation was under control.

The violence erupted after some Muslims living in the area claimed they had seen a local Christian, Raja Amir, and his friend tearing out pages from a Koran, throwing them on the ground and writing insulting remarks on other pages.

The city police chief, Bilal Mehmood, said officers had arrested Mr Amir and his friend.

According to Mr Khan, the mob quickly gathered and began attacking multiple churches and several Christian homes.

Blasphemy accusations are common in Pakistan.

Under the country’s blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death.

While authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy, often just the accusation can cause riots and incite mobs to violence, lynching and killings.