27 employees of cellphone company held over 'blasphemy protest' in Karachi

The police on Friday detained at least 27 employees of a mobile phone company following a violent protest outside Star City Mall in Karachi over alleged blasphemy.

According to media reports, the protests erupted after "WiFi devices" installed at the mall allegedly played comments against the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A mob vandalised Samsung billboards and accused the global giant of blasphemy.

Read more: 42 Muslims accused of blasphemy in 2021

Following the protests, Samsung Pakistan issued a statement, saying the company maintained neutrality on religious sentiments.

"Samsung Electronics has reiterated its firm stance that it endeavours to maintain objectivity on all matters of religious significance. With reference to the recent developments in Karachi, Samsung Electronics stands firm on its stance that the company has the utmost respect for all religious sentiments and beliefs and holds the religion of Islam in utmost respect," the company said in a statement, adding that internal investigation into the matter is underway.