Karachi guards Hindus

Religious violence has been a key concern for Pakistan

Pakistani authorities have stepped up security measures to protect Pakistan's small Hindu community.

Most Pakistani Hindus live in the southern Sindh province, and many of them are in the provincial capital, Karachi.

Provincial authorities have deployed police and other security units around Hindu temples and residential areas in Karachi to prevent any attacks on them.

We have asked Hindu leaders to coordinate with the security agencies in case they received threats

Deputy Inspector General of Police Tariq Jamil

Authorities fear that in a possible backlash following the communal rioting in the neighbouring Indian state of Gujarat, Muslim extremists could launch revenge attacks on Pakistan's Hindu community.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in Karachi, Tariq Jamil, told Reuters news agency that extra policemen had been stationed outside Hindu temples and residences "to deter any retaliation".

Mr Jamil also said the police had asked Hindu community leaders "to coordinate with the security agencies in case they received any threats."

Violence against Muslims in India has often led to attacks on members of Pakistan's small Hindu community.

Religious differences have been a source of much violence in Pakistan as well as India, although in Pakistan, the focus has been clashes between sects of the Muslim majority.

Sectarian violence between hardline elements of the large Sunni community and the smaller Shia sect have often led to loss of lives.