One Supporter Of Imran Khan Shot Dead, A Total Of 6 People Died In Clashes In Pakistan
Six people, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed in clashes near Pakistan's parliament between security forces and protesters demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed protesters for the army's death and accused them of hitting paramilitary forces with a convoy of vehicles.
Zulfikar Bukhari, spokesman for Pakistan Tereek-e-Insaaf (PTI) led by Khan, said two protesters were also killed and 30 injured in the clashes.
"One of the protesters was shot dead and the other was hit by a vehicle," said Bukhari.
Authorities did not respond to questions trying to confirm the death. Reuters was unable to independently verify the information.
"This is not a peaceful protest. This is extremism," Sharif said.
Sharif said the violence prompted law enforcement agencies to confinement restrictions'.
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Amnesty International said the government should fully protect the rights of the protesters and immediately cancel a "shoot on the spot" order that they think gives the military inappropriate and excessive power.
In a post on X from prison, Khan, 72, told his supporters to fight until the end.
"We will not back down until our demands are met," he said, accusing security forces of shooting at party workers who carried out peaceful demonstrations.
"All Pakistanis who protest remain peaceful, unite and stand firm until our demands are met. This is a struggle for Pakistan's survival and true freedom," he said.