Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday lauded the Sialkot business community for sending $100,000 worth of financial aid to the widow of Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara, who was lynched over blasphemy accusations last month.

Priyantha Kumara, a 49-year-old Sri Lankan who was working as a manager at a factory, was lynched and his body set on fire by a mob in Sialkot over blasphemy allegations. The horrific incident drew widespread criticism from politicians, ambassadors, religious scholars and human rights bodies. The video footage of the barbaric episode has been widely shared on social media.

In a tweet, PM Imran also appreciated the Rajco Industries, where the victim worked as a manager, for transferring a monthly salary worth $2,000 to Kumara’s widow's account for the next 10 years.

According to media reports last month, the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry had raised $100,000 as financial assistance for Kumara's family.

The victim is survived by his wife and two children, aged nine and 14. In addition to seeking justice and strict action against the culprits, Kumara’s family had demanded compensation from the Sri Lankan and Pakistani governments to safeguard the family’s future and the children’s education.

Moreover, overseas Pakistanis in December had announced that they were making efforts to raise $50,000 CAD for Kumara’s family.

Special Assistant to the PM on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill on Monday said funds of $100,000 and first salary worth $1,667 committed by the Rajco Industries were transferred to the account of the widow of the deceased.

In a tweet, he also shared the payment slips.

Reacting to the development, people on Twitter gave mixed reactions.

One user praised the government and the business community for the "goodwill gesture".

Another user questioned the state's responsibility for foreigners security.

One person asked about the initiatives taken by the incumbent government to help the family.

Another user lauded the effort.