Protests Erupt in Pakistan After Reported Killing of Khamenei
News Desk
Karachi/Lahore/Islamabad: At least nine people were killed and around 20 others injured in violent clashes between police and protesters outside the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, as demonstrations erupted following reports of US and Israeli attacks that allegedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Clashes Outside US Consulate in Karachi
According to the Edhi Ambulance Service, six bodies and 10 injured were initially shifted from MT Khan Road to Civil Hospital Karachi. Officials at the hospital’s trauma center later confirmed that multiple casualties had been brought in.
Dr. Sabir Memon, head of the trauma center at Civil Hospital Karachi, said that eight bodies had been received, while 20 injured persons were undergoing treatment. One injured individual later succumbed to wounds, raising the death toll to at least nine.
Eyewitnesses said protesters gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to advance towards the premises while pelting stones. Police responded with tear gas shelling and force to disperse the crowd, triggering intense clashes in the area.
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The unrest severely disrupted traffic in the city’s high-security zone. Authorities closed the road from Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi, leading to significant congestion.
Karachi Traffic Police said vehicles from Jinnah Bridge were diverted to II Chandrigar Road, traffic from Boat Basin was given a U-turn at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and vehicles from PIDC were redirected to alternate routes.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from the Additional IG Karachi. In a statement, he said no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands and directed authorities to strengthen security at sensitive installations across the province.
In Islamabad, police closed all roads leading to the Red Zone — the high-security area housing diplomatic missions and parliament — for traffic and public movement amid fears of unrest.
In Lahore, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate, though no violence was reported. Eyewitness Aqeel Raza told Reuters that some protesters attempted to damage a security gate located hundreds of yards from the consulate, but police prevented any breach without using force.
Meanwhile, pro-Iran protesters also assembled outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located, reflecting growing regional tensions amid the escalating Iran war crisis.
Authorities across Pakistan remained on high alert as security forces monitored the situation to prevent further escalation.
Army Deployed in Skardu Under Article 245 After Violent Protests
The Pakistan Army was deployed in Skardu under Article 245 of the Constitution on Saturday after violent protests erupted over reports of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
According to police officials, the protest began as a demonstration but quickly spiraled into unrest, with mobs allegedly torching several public and private buildings. Thick smoke was seen rising from multiple locations, triggering panic among residents and traders.
Among the buildings reportedly set ablaze in Skardu were the regional sub-office of the United Nations, the Army Public School, the office of the Superintendent of Police, the Software Technology Park, and the building of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). Authorities said the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
In Gilgit, protesters also set fire to offices associated with the United Nations, including the UN Military Observer Group and a UNDP sub-office.
Following the deterioration of the law and order situation, authorities invoked Article 245, enabling the deployment of the army in aid of civil power.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, the move aims to assist civil authorities in restoring order and protecting public and private property. Security forces have since been patrolling key areas, while efforts continue to disperse protesters and secure sensitive installations.
Officials have not confirmed any casualties so far. The situation remains tense, and residents have been advised to stay indoors as authorities work to bring the unrest under control. Further updates are expected following an official statement from the administration.
