After the tragic incident, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman called off activities for the day.
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A female journalist was crushed to death on Sunday while covering the protest rally led by former prime minister Imran Khan, an incident that forced him to halt the march for the day.
Sadaf Naeem, a television reporter with Channel 5 in Lahore, was crushed to death after she slipped off the container truck Khan was traveling in, witnesses said.
Television channels reported that Naeem was hit by the container carrying Khan. She was trying to interview Khan for her TV channel.
After the tragic incident, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman called off activities for the day. Khan’s convoy was making its way through various cities towards Islamabad on the march’s third day.
“Shocked & deeply saddened by the terrible accident that led to the death of Channel 5 reporter Sadaf Naeem during our March today,” Khan said in a tweet. “I have no words to express my sorrow. My prayers & condolences go to the family at this tragic time. We have canceled our March for today.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his condolences to Naeem’s family, announcing Rs5 million as compensation to her relatives.
“Deeply saddened by the death of reporter Sadaf Naeem after falling from a long march container,” Sharif said in a tweet. “Cannot feel sad enough over this tragic incident. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Sadaf Naeem was a dynamic and hardworking reporter. We pray for patience for the family of the deceased.”
Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi also extended his condolences to her family. He announced financial assistance worth Rs2.5 million for her family. “The Punjab government will take full care of the family,” Elahi tweeted.
Information Minister Maryyium Aurangzeb expressed shock over Naeem’s death and questioned how the reporter was run over by the container-carrying truck used by Khan.
“I personally know her. She was a hard-working journalist and was killed while trying to interview Imran Khan which is shocking,” the minister said.
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