KARACHI: Violence erupted outside the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday during a protest against recent strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving at least nine people dead and 18 injured. Hospital officials confirmed the casualties.
According to Edhi ambulance service, six bodies and 10 injured were first taken from MT Khan Road to Civil Hospital Karachi. Later, hospital authorities confirmed seven bodies and 18 injured patients had arrived, many suffering from gunshot wounds, baton injuries, and stampede-related trauma. Dr. Sabir Memon, head of the hospital’s Trauma Centre, said eight bodies and 20 injured were being treated, while one injured person later succumbed to their wounds.
Protesters had gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to approach the premises, throwing stones. Police responded with force, including baton charges and shelling, to disperse the crowd. The unrest caused severe traffic disruptions, with roads from Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi closed. Vehicles from Jinnah Bridge were diverted to II Chundrigar Road, traffic from Boat Basin given a U-turn at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and PIDC-bound traffic was sent back.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar demanded a report from the Additional IG Karachi, warning that no one would be allowed to break the law. He also directed authorities to strengthen security at sensitive sites across the province.
In Islamabad, all roads leading to the red zone, including diplomatic missions and parliament, were blocked to the public. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate in Lahore, but police successfully prevented any violence. Aqeel Raza, an eyewitness, said some protesters attempted to damage a security gate far from the Consulate, but police stopped them without using force.
Pro-Iranian demonstrations also appeared outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, near the US Embassy, reflecting broader regional protests.