For allegedly insulting Allah and Prophet Muhammad, authorities in northwestern Pakistan on Monday arrested a Chinese engineer.

The arrest was confirmed by the police, who identified the man as “Mr. Tian,” the head of heavy transport for the China Gezhouba Group Company.

The dispute began on Saturday when the Chinese manager made an effort to get his local driving squad to work more quickly as they were all gathered on the jobsite for afternoon prayers.

A copy of the official police complaint obtained by Voice of America stated that the man continued to make insulting remarks and derogatory gestures to disparage Allah and Prophet Muhammad.

According to the police, the alleged blasphemous act incensed the local workforce, sparking violent protests across the Kohistan district, where the project is being built, on Sunday evening. 

Thousands of the protestors blocked the main highway between Pakistan and China.

The protests lasted for many hours and finally ended early on Monday when the Chinese national was hauled into jail and community leaders were given the assurance that he would face legal action, according to the police. 

In Pakistan, which is predominantly Muslim, blasphemy is a delicate subject and is punishable by death.

Mobs frequently attack suspects and even lynch them on occasion. 

Accusations of blasphemy, according to domestic and international rights organisations, are sufficient to spark mob violence and the murder of the accused. 

In Pakistan, blasphemy laws are also applied to resolve interpersonal conflicts and vendettas as well as to frighten religious minorities.