Khan’s convoy was making its way through Punjab province toward Islamabad on the march’s third day. The demonstrators were challenging Khan’s successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his government, demanding early elections. It has been the practice of Khan’s convoy team to invite a few journalists at a time onto the top of the truck to speak to Khan.
According to a senior police officer, a female journalist was crushed to death in Pakistan while covering a political march led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Sadaf Naeem, 36, a television journalist for Channel 5 in Lahore, died on Sunday after falling from the container truck in which Khan was traveling, according to Salman Zafar, assistant superintendent in Kamuke, one of the towns along the march’s route.
According to journalist Qazzafi Butt, who witnessed the incident, Naeem lost her balance while attempting to climb onto Khan’s truck to interview him, and the truck’s wheel ran over her head.
In a tweet, Khan said, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible accident that resulted in the death of Channel 5 reporter Sadaf Naeem during our March today.” “I’m at a loss for words to express my grief. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Today’s March has been canceled.”
Sharif also offered condolences to Naeem’s bereaved family, announcing a $20,000 donation to her family.
In a tweet, Sharif said, “Deeply saddened by the death of reporter Sadaf Naeem after falling from a long march container.” “This tragic incident has made me extremely sad. Sincere condolences to the family. Sadaf Naeem was an energetic and hardworking journalist. We ask for patience for the deceased’s family.”
Naeem was the breadwinner for her family and had worked as a journalist for 12 years. Pakistani officials say they will bear the living costs and educational expenses of her two children, aged 17 and 21.
Journalist Mazhar Abbas called the accident a “tragedy” and appealed to Channel 5 to “look after her family as she died in the line of duty.”
What a tragedy. A young reporter #SadafNaeem died while covering the long march of ex-PM Imran Khan. I appeal to Channel V to look after her family as she died in the line of duty. All TV channels must ensure life insurance and training. Deepest condolence with the family.— Mazhar Abbas (@MazharAbbasGEO) October 30, 2022
About 10,000 of Khan’s supporters, many of them piled into hundreds of trucks and cars, left from Lahore on Friday.
The convoy’s journey, expected to be capped with an open-ended rally in Islamabad, could present a significant challenge to the new administration. The rally could potentially also turn violent if police move in to disperse Khan’s supporters.