Protests broke out across Pakistan on Sunday following US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with violent clashes outside the US Consulate in Karachi leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured.
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Demonstrations were reported in several major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, where protesters confronted law enforcement personnel. Authorities in multiple locations used tear gas shelling to disperse crowds as tensions escalated.
In Karachi, demonstrators gathered near the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road and attempted to advance toward the premises, throwing stones at security personnel. Police responded with tear gas and forceful measures to restore order. The unrest resulted in at least nine fatalities and 36 injuries, according to officials.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that the injured and deceased were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi. Hospital authorities said casualties were caused by gunfire, baton charges and stampedes during the clashes. Trauma Centre head Dr Sabir Memon reported that several injured individuals were undergoing treatment, while one later succumbed to injuries.
The violence severely disrupted traffic movement, prompting authorities to close key routes, including the road from Sultanabad toward Mai Kolachi. Traffic police diverted vehicles from Jinnah Bridge to I.I. Chundrigar Road, while routes from Boat Basin and PIDC were also redirected to ease congestion.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from senior police officials, stating that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
In Islamabad, tensions rose near Serena Chowk on Embassy Road as police confronted protesters. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site and appealed for calm. Authorities also blocked roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions and parliament, and imposed Section 144 banning all public gatherings.
Similar protests were held in Lahore, where a rally organized by the Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum turned tense after police dispersed participants, while in Peshawar, security forces prevented demonstrators from marching toward the US Consulate.
District administrations across affected cities warned that any violation of Section 144 would result in strict legal action, urging citizens to avoid protests and maintain public order.
