A soldier was martyred and 16 others, including an officer, were injured in “unprovoked assaults” by violent protesters in Gwadar district, the military’s media wing said Monday.

“A violent mob in the garb of so-called ‘Baloch Raji Muchi’ assaulted security forces personnel employed for duties in Gwadar district,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

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Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, 30, of district Sibi, embraced shahadat, according to the statement.

The statement noted that “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.”

It said that security forces have displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian casualties despite provocations.

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“The violent actions of the mob are unacceptable and those responsible will be brought to justice,” the ISPR said.

ISPR’s statement urged people not to fall prey to the propaganda, asking them to remain calm and peaceful and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and order.

The statement said that the security forces of Pakistan, in cooperation with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts to sabotage the peace and stability of Balochistan.