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

Protest erupted after Samsung 'WiFi devices' installed at Star City Mall allegedly played blasphemous comments

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.

Protest against alleged blasphemy of a WiFi device in Karachi. Mob gathered after a WiFi device installed in Star City Mall, allegedly posted blasphemous comments. Protesters vandalised Samsung billboards accusing the company of blasphemy. Police detained 27 Samsung employees. pic.twitter.com/3R8UYbScqa

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) July 1, 2022

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.

Samsung Pakistan - Press Release July 1st, 2022. pic.twitter.com/IVSpAkH8Lm

— Samsung Pakistan (@SamsungPakistan) July 1, 2022