Clashes Follow Reports of Iranian Leader’s Death in US-Israeli Strikes
At least nine people were killed and 18 others injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted between police and protesters outside the US Consulate in Karachi. The demonstration was sparked by reports of US and Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Hospital officials at Karachi’s Civil Hospital confirmed the casualties, stating the injured sustained wounds from gunfire, police baton charges, and a stampede during the unrest. Dr. Sabir Memon, head of the hospital’s Trauma Centre, reported that eight bodies were initially brought in, with 20 injured receiving treatment. One of the wounded later succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to nine.
Protesters Attempt to Storm Consulate Premises
According to eyewitness accounts and officials, a large crowd gathered outside the diplomatic mission on MT Khan Road. Protesters attempted to move towards the consulate building, pelting stones at security forces. Police responded with tear gas shelling and force to disperse the crowd.
The violence caused major disruptions across the city. Authorities closed key roads, including the route from Sultanabad towards Mai Kolachi, leading to severe traffic congestion. Karachi traffic police implemented diversions, rerouting vehicles from Jinnah Bridge and other major arteries.
Security Tightened Nationwide, Section 144 in Islamabad
In response to the unrest, security was heightened across Pakistan. In the federal capital, Islamabad, police sealed all roads leading to the sensitive Red Zone, which houses parliament and numerous diplomatic missions. The district administration imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings and warning of strict legal action against violators.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought an immediate report from senior police officials. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he stated, directing authorities to strengthen security at all sensitive installations across the province.
Protests Spread to Lahore, Baghdad
The demonstrations were not confined to Karachi. In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate. An eyewitness, Aqeel Raza, told Reuters that some attempted to damage a security gate but were stopped by police without the use of force.
Internationally, pro-Iranian protesters also gathered outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, where the US Embassy is located, indicating a regional spread of anger following the reports from Iran.
The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Pakistani authorities now grappling with the domestic fallout from the alleged strikes in Iran.
