Police in southern Pakistan shot dead a blasphemy suspect during an alleged shootout with armed men, officials said Thursday, the second such apparent extra-judicial killing in a week, drawing condemnation from human rights groups.

Police in southern Pakistan have shot dead a doctor accused of blasphemy, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. Dr Shahnawaz Kanbhar was killed "just by chance" in shootout with officers who did not know it was him,

Pakistani authorities have suspended policemen who opened fire and killed a blasphemy suspect earlier this week, only to be applauded and showered with rose petals by local residents after the killing.

The family of a blasphemy suspect killed in custody in southwestern Pakistan has forgiven the police officer accused of killing him, saying they would not press charges "in the name of God". Abdul Ali,