Soldier martyred, 16 injured as 'violent mob' assaults security forces in Gwadar

At least one soldier was martyred and sixteen others including an officer were injured after a violent mob under the guise of "Baloch Raji Muchi" attacked security forces' personnel in Gwadar district of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

A violent mob in the garb of so-called Baloch Raji Muchi or Baloch National Gathering summoned by the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) assaulted security forces' personnel today who have been performing duties in Balochistan's Gwadar district.

Resultantly, Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, age 30 years; resident of district Sibi, embraced shahadat, it added.

In addition, the unprovoked assaults by the violent protesters have resulted in injuries to sixteen soldiers including an officer, the ISPR said.

Moreover, the ISPR said fake and malicious propaganda is being spread on social media using doctored pictures and videos by the propagandists to gain sympathy and support for the unlawful violent march.

"Security forces have displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian casualties despite provocations," it said adding that the violent actions of the mob are unacceptable and those responsible will be brought to justice.

The military's media wing also urged all citizens not to fall prey to the propaganda, remain calm and peaceful, and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and order.

"Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the Nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan," the statement added.

The BYC sit-in on the National Highway entered the third day today with the Balochistan government inviting the protesters for talks.

The sit-in started when the convoys of protesters were stopped from participating in the BYC's Gwadar meeting last week.