At least nine people were killed and 18 others injured during clashes outside the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, following protests against the US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hospital officials confirmed.
Violence Erupts During Protest
According to Edhi ambulance service, six bodies and 10 injured individuals were initially taken from MT Khan Road to the Civil Hospital Karachi. Hospital authorities later confirmed that eight bodies and 20 injured people were receiving medical treatment. One of the injured subsequently succumbed to injuries.
The head of the Trauma Centre, Dr. Sabir Memon, reported that victims sustained injuries from gunfire, baton charges, and stampedes during the unrest.
Protesters had gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to approach the premises, throwing stones. Police responded with force to disperse the crowd.
Traffic Disruptions and Security Measures
The protest caused severe traffic disruptions. Authorities closed the road from Sultanabad toward Mai Kolachi, while Karachi traffic police diverted vehicles from Jinnah Bridge toward II Chundrigar Road, redirected traffic from Boat Basin at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and sent vehicles from PIDC back.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar called for a report from the Additional IG Karachi and emphasized that “no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.” He also ordered heightened security at sensitive installations across the province.
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Other Cities and International Reactions
In Islamabad, all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions and parliament, were blocked for public movement.
In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate. While some attempted to damage a security gate hundreds of yards from the consulate, police reportedly stopped them without using force, according to eyewitness Aqeel Raza.
Pro-Iranian protesters also gathered outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located, signaling that unrest related to Khamenei’s martyrdom has reverberated beyond Pakistan.
