Pakistani police say thousands turn out for protest against anti-Muslim film

Sept. 30, 2012: Hafiz Saeed, leader of Pakistani religious group Jamaat-ud-Dawa, left, delivers a speech during a protest against a film insulting the Prophet Muhammad, in Lahore, Pakistan. (AP)

 KARACHI, Pakistan – Thousands of people hit the streets in Pakistan's biggest city Sunday to protest an anti-Islam film made in the United States, suggesting anger over the movie is far from over.

Senior police official Nasir Lodhi estimated 5,000 people participated in the Karachi rally. Security was increased, and sections of the city were shut down to help contain the crowd. Demonstrators burned U.S. flags and demanded the filmmakers be punished. Overall, the rally went peacefully.

The crude film entitled "Innocence of Muslims" portrays Islam's Prophet Muhammad as a fraud, a womanizer and a child molester. It has deeply offended many Muslims, and dozens of people have died in protests linked to the movie.

The White House has denounced the film, but also has defended American laws governing freedom of expression.