Extending his condolences to the victims' families, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird Saturday condemned the violence against Christians in Islamic country, Pakistan.

"Canada condemns in the strongest terms today's attack in Lahore, Pakistan, which resulted in the ransacking and burning of dozens of homes targeting Christian families," said Minister Baird in a press release.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sympathies to the families affected by this senseless act of violence," added the minister.

Accusing a non-Muslim man of making offensive comments on the Prophet Muhammad, a group of Muslims Saturday burned around 170 Christian homes in Lahore.

Following the attacks on Christian minorities in Pakistan, hundreds of Christians in Pakistan went out into the streets of Lahore and Karachi protesting against the government's failure to protect the minorities in the country.

Canadian foreign minister called upon the Pakistani government to assure the safety of all the minorities in the Islamic nation.

"We urge the government of Pakistan and local authorities to fully investigate and prosecute those responsible," said John Baird.

"Canada calls on Pakistani authorities to implement safeguards to ensure that their blasphemy laws are no longer abused. The safety and dignity of all citizens in Pakistan must be protected and promoted," said Baird. "Canada will continue to work with the people of Pakistan to address their challenges."

According to the police, the incident took place following an argument between a Christian and a Muslim in which the later accused the former of making offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad.

Police have already arrested 150 people in connection with the incident in the city of Lahore and investigations are underway. 

To contact the editor, e-mail: