At least 23 people have been killed and dozens more injured as violent protests erupted across Pakistan following the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top officials in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike.
Despite calls for restraint from the government and religious scholars, demonstrations in major cities turned deadly as protesters clashed with security forces near diplomatic missions.
Regional Death Toll and Casualties
According to reports from Geo News, the violence was most severe in the following areas:
- Karachi: 10 killed during intense clashes outside the U.S. Consulate.
- Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan): 11 killed as protests turned fatal.
- Islamabad: 2 killed near the high-security “Red Zone.”
Police and hospital sources confirmed that at least 34 people were injured. Authorities at Karachi’s Civil Hospital stated that the victims brought to the facility suffered from gunshot wounds.
Clashes in Karachi and Lahore
In Karachi, the administration blocked all roads leading to the U.S. Consulate. Protesters reportedly torched a traffic police post under the Sultanabad Bridge and breached security perimeters. Police deployed tear gas near the Central Police Office on I.I. Chundrigar Road and the Native Jetty Bridge to disperse the crowds.
In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Consulate. Small-scale skirmishes were reported, leading police to use tear gas to maintain control of the perimeter.
The Situation in Islamabad
The capital’s “Red Zone” was completely sealed off. When thousands of protesters attempted to march toward the Diplomatic Enclave, security forces responded with tear gas and gunfire, resulting in two deaths and approximately 10 injuries.
Official Statements and Quotes
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi:
“We are with you. Every Pakistani is in mourning, just like the people of Iran. I urge the protesters to remain calm.”
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah: Expressing deep grief over the “martyrdom” of the Iranian leader, he ordered an impartial inquiry into the Karachi violence.
A high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been formed by the provincial government to investigate the breach of the U.S. Consulate’s security.
Appeals from Religious Leaders
Top clerics have emphasized that while the nation shares the grief, the protests must not turn destructive.
- Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi: “In this time of mourning, we must strengthen unity and harmony.”
- Allama Sheikh Agha Baqir: “Protest is a reflection of a principled position, but it must remain peaceful.”
- Allama Tahir Ashrafi: “Peaceful protest is everyone’s right; however, setting fire to or damaging state property is in no way acceptable.”
