Pakistan's military said protesters taking part in a march in the southwestern city of Gwadar attacked security forces deployed to guard them on Monday, killing one soldier and wounding 16 others.
An ethnic Baloch nationalist movement has been demonstrating for the past two days in the port city, blocking a highway to press demands for the release of movement members they say are being held by security forces.
The military said the attack was “an unprovoked attack by violent protesters that left sixteen soldiers injured, including an officer.”
Baloch movement leader Bebarg Baloch said the army used force to disperse the protest and several protesters were injured, including women and children.
He did not comment on the death toll and injuries reported by the military.
Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, where the port city of Gwadar is located, borders Iran and Afghanistan and has long been the scene of a small-scale insurgency by separatist groups who say they are fighting for a greater share of the region's rich mineral resources.
Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti told lawmakers in a televised address that the demonstrations were a “conspiracy” to obstruct a delegation of foreign investors, who are due to visit Gwadar next week.
He offered a motion of talks to ensure peace.
“Our doors are open,” Bugti said in his speech.
The development of Gwadar port and many other projects in the region are part of China's $65 billion investment as part of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road vision. (my/jm)
