Protests broke out across Pakistan on Sunday after US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations were held in several major cities. The situation turned violent in parts of the country.
In Karachi, large crowds gathered outside the US Consulate. Protesters tried to move toward the building and threw stones. Police responded with shelling and other force to disperse the crowd. The clashes left at least nine people dead and 36 injured.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said the injured and deceased were shifted to Civil Hospital. The dead were identified as Kazim, Mubarak, Adeel, Abbas, Sajid, Khawar, and Mohammad Ali. Two victims remain unidentified.
Hospital officials said injuries were caused by gunfire, baton charges, and stampedes. Dr. Sabir Memon, head of the Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital Karachi, confirmed that eight bodies were brought in earlier. He said 20 injured people were under treatment. One of the injured later died from wounds.
The unrest disrupted traffic in Karachi. Authorities closed the road from Sultanabad toward Mai Kolachi. This caused heavy congestion in nearby areas. Traffic police diverted vehicles from Jinnah Bridge to II Chundrigar Road. Cars from Boat Basin were turned back at Mai Kolachi Phatak. Vehicles from PIDC were also redirected.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a report from the Additional IG Karachi. He stated that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Protests were also reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. In Islamabad, a rally near Embassy Road turned tense. Police confronted demonstrators close to Serena Chowk. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reached the site and urged people to stay calm.
Authorities blocked all roads leading to the red zone in Islamabad. The area includes parliament and diplomatic missions. The district administration imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings. Officials warned that any assembly would be considered illegal. Citizens were advised not to join any protest or rally.
In Lahore, the Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum organized a rally. Police used shelling after tensions increased. In Peshawar, police stopped demonstrators from marching toward the US Consulate.
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The Protests have raised concerns about security and public safety nationwide. Officials said strict legal action would be taken against those who violate the law.
