The News Minute | November 7, 2014 | 12.33 pm IST

Islamabad: Financial aid has been announced for the family of a Christian couple burnt alive by a mob for allegedly desecrating the Koran in Pakistan, a media report said Friday.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Thursday visited the family and announced Pakistani Rs.5 million ($48,781) as compensation as well as 10 acres of land, Dawn online reported.

The incident occurred in Kot Rasha Kishan town of Punjab province Tuesday.

The chief minister also announced that the Punjab government will take care of the couple's three children and provide for their education and well-being.

On Wednesday, police arrested 50 villagers who were believed to be part of the mob that beat the couple to death.

Among those arrested was the owner of the brick kiln where 25-year-old Shama, who was pregnant at the time of the incident, and her husband Shahzad Masih worked as bonded labourers.

According to reports, people from three nearby villages tortured the couple before putting them into the kiln's furnace Tuesday.

Police said a local religious leader had fanned the issue.
IANS