A Pakistani man who was visiting the country's Swat Valley as a tourist on June 20 was beaten to death and his body set on fire by an angry mob after he was accused of blasphemy.
The mob severely beat the man, identified as a resident of Punjab Province, and dragged his burning naked body through the streets, according to reports about the incident and authorities who spoke with RFE/RL.
Swat police chief Zahid Ullah said police officers initially rescued the man from the people who attacked him and sheltered him at a police station in Madian.
According to a local journalist in Madian, the mob broke down the gate of the police station and entered the building. They then poured gasoline on the man and set him on fire before dragging his lifeless body as they continued to beat him.
The rioters also burned three police cars and set fire to the police station, the journalist said.
The incident started when a number of people accused the man of having burned pages of the Koran in his bag and started a fight with him.
When it was announced through mosque loudspeakers that a "blasphemer" had been rescued by police, a crowd converged on the police station.
Local residents said police officers opened fired on the crowd and 11 people were injured. Police have not commented on the accusation.
Residents and health authorities said three injured people have been taken to the hospital.
The situation in and around Madian is reportedly tense. Authorities have invoked their power under Section 144 of Pakistani law to restrict people's movement and can shoot anyone who disobeys.
Swat Valley, nicknamed the Switzerland of Pakistan, is frequently visited by tourists from all over the country. It is especially popular in the summer season, when people go there to escape high temperatures.