In a post on X, the Punjab police confirmed that Muzaffargarh Police Constable Muhammad Mubashir Bilal died from injuries sustained during clashes with “miscreants” while fulfilling his duties at the Hakla interchange to maintain law and order.
Punjab police chief Dr. Usman Anwar paid tribute to Constable Bilal, assuring that his family’s welfare would be taken care of. He emphasized that the police would uphold the country’s laws and constitution at all costs.
Additionally, the police shared images of another constable from the Sargodha Police who was injured in Attock due to “firing by miscreants” and was transferred to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Hasan Abdal for treatment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, ordering authorities to identify the culprits and ensure they face exemplary punishment. He also directed that police personnel injured during protests receive the best medical care. “Attacking police officers under the guise of peaceful protests is unacceptable,” the prime minister said, condemning the violent actions of those involved in nationwide riots on May 9.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi honored Constable Bilal’s sacrifice and conveyed his condolences to the family. Naqvi vowed that those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.
In a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the death of Constable Mubashir and reported that five other officers had been critically injured. She also mentioned incidents of shooting in multiple areas including Attock, Sargodha, Kati Pahari, and Wah Cantt. Bokhari accused PTI workers of the violence and urged courts not to grant bail to the accused.
In another statement, she claimed that around 80 people had died in Kurram over the past four days due to ongoing violence, adding that the KP CM’s push for the release of his party leader was contributing to the unrest. She also stated that approximately 80 individuals had been arrested during the protests in Punjab.
Reacting to her comments, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram denied the allegations, asserting that PTI protesters were advancing towards Islamabad peacefully and responsibly. He placed the blame for any fatalities on those in power.
Meanwhile, PTI’s convoy from KP, led by Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur, crossed into Islamabad’s jurisdiction. PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed the convoy’s entry via Sangjani toll plaza, and other PTI leaders also shared footage of the convoy entering the capital.
Bushra Bibi, in a video message, called for supporters to continue their march towards Islamabad and vowed to remain in the capital until Imran Khan’s release, stressing the importance of the cause for both her husband and the nation.
