'The growth of ferocious attacks against Islam and the rise of Islamophobia are a deep source of concern, particularly given that the offences to Muslims are increasing in countries known for their pluralism and acceptance of difference,' said the closing statement of the Arab League summit here.

Meanwhile, three days after it was first posted on the Internet, Dutch deputy Geert Wilders' film 'Fitna' continued to provoke outrage and fears of growing anti-Muslim sentiment.

The film features shocking imagery of the attacks on New York in 2001 and Madrid in 2004 combined with quotes from the Koran, Islam's holy book.

In Jordan, a group of lawmakers demanded the government sever its ties with the Netherlands to protest the film's airing.

'The film insults the Prophet Mohammed and hurts the feelings of all Muslims,' Jordanian MP Ali Dalain said.

His call came despite the Dutch government condemning Mr Wilders' film and trying to dissuade him from releasing it.

Hundreds of high school students demonstrated in Indonesia's central Java region Sunday against Wilders' film.

Pakistan meanwhile stepped up security at the Dutch consulate and businesses in Karachi, fearing protests, officials said on Sunday.

'We have advised the consulate staff to keep a low profile and avoid unnecessary travel,' said Arif Ahmed Khan, the home secretary for Sindh province.

Telecommunications authorities have also been asked to block all websites that carry the 'blasphemous' film, he added.

Iran summons Dutch ambassador
In Iran, where officials have repeatedly warned against broadcasting the film in recent months, the government summoned the Dutch ambassador Sunday to protest against the film.

Dutch ambassador Radinck van Vollenhoven expressed his sorrow over the broadcast of the film and pointed out that it had been condemned by the Dutch government, stated media reported.

Australia on Sunday joined the growing ranks of critics, with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith calling Wilder's movie 'highly offensive.' 'It is an obvious attempt to generate discord between faith communities,' Mr Smith said.

'Like leaders in the Muslim world and Europe, I strongly reject the ideas contained in the film and deplore its release.'

The latest protests followed a wave of censure over the 17-minute movie in recent days, not just in Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Malaysia and Morocco, but several non-Muslim nations and international bodies.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called the film 'offensively anti-Islamic", in a statement issued on Saturday.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende warned on Friday of more fallout to come. 'Sometimes it can take months before the true repercussions are felt,' he said.-- AFP