One person was shot dead and at least 10 others injured when Islamic radicals clashed with police Sunday in protests against US forces using an airbase here, police and a hospital doctor said.
Altif Hussein, a doctor at Jacobabad Civic Hospital, said the man, aged about 35, died from bullet wounds after he was shot while taking part in the demonstration.
Police spokesman Mohammad Riaz earlier told AFP three police officers and eight protesters were taken to hospital suffering gunshot wounds when the demonstration turned violent on the outskirts of this southwestern city.
"The protesters tried to break the police picket and also fired on police," Riaz said. "In retaliation, police fired back."
Police said they had arrested at least 400 Islamic radicals attempting to join the protest at an airfield which Pakistan has agreed US forces can use for logistical support operations during its campaign in Afghanistan.
The protest was called by Islamic fundamentalist party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), which has close links to the ruling Taliban militia in Afghanistan.
JUI spokesman Abdul Ghafoor claimed more than 2,000 people had been arrested trying to enter Jacobabad, where the airfield is located.
"The police are arresting anyone with a beard," Ghafoor said.
Despite the crackdown, 4,000 militants had gathered in the city centre and were preparing to march to the airport, Ghafoor said -- Jacobabad, Pakistan, (AFP)
