Violence broke out outside the US Consulate General Karachi on Sunday, leaving at least eight people dead and more than 20 injured after protests turned into clashes with police in Karachi.
The demonstrations followed US and Israeli strikes in Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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According to hospital officials, several victims suffered gunshot wounds, injuries from baton charges, and trauma caused by a stampede during the unrest.
Emergency teams initially transported multiple bodies and injured individuals from the protest site to Civil Hospital Karachi.
Murtaza Wahab Directs Establishment of Emergency Control Center in Karachi
On the directives of Murtaza Wahab, an Emergency Control Center has been set up at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation head office.
According to a KMC spokesperson, the center will operate 24/7 to monitor emergencies. The Chief Fire Officer will lead the cell, supported by the Deputy Director City Warden and other relevant municipal departments.
The emergency cell aims to ensure effective response and timely monitoring of any developing situation. All departmental heads of the municipal corporation will assist as needed during emergencies.
Instructions have been issued to enforce emergency measures in all KMC-administered hospitals. Contact numbers of relevant officers, including their mobile phones, have been shared to facilitate prompt communication in case of emergencies.
Shehbaz Sharif Condoles Martyrdom of Ali Khamenei
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, stated that the government and people of Pakistan stand with the people of Iran in their time of grief over the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei.
READ: Israel-Iran war: Khamenei is Dead; says Netanyahu – LIVE UPDATES
He extended Pakistan’s heartfelt condolences on the loss of the Supreme Leader and expressed concern over violations of international law, noting that it is a long-standing convention that heads of state and government should not be targeted.
The Prime Minister prayed for the departed soul and wished that Allah Almighty grants patience and strength to the Iranian people to bear this irreparable loss.
Police Restore Order
A few protesters briefly entered the US Consulate General Karachi, Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan confirmed.
“Some troublemakers got in through the outer gate and caused damage, but the police acted quickly, regained control, and removed them from the premises,” he said.
Authorities responded immediately to the incident, ensuring the situation was contained and the consulate secured.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar requested a detailed report from senior police officials and stated that authorities would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.
He also ordered tighter security at sensitive locations across the province.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah Expresses Grief
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Sindh’s people stand in solidarity with Iran and all mourners in this moment of grief,” he said.
Commenting on the violence outside the US Consulate General Karachi, he called it extremely unfortunate and said neutral investigations have been ordered.
He emphasized that the government cannot allow anyone to take the law into their own hands and instructed authorities to provide full security for mourning gatherings at Numaish Chowrangi organized by Allama Shehenshah Naqvi.
Allama Shehenshah Naqvi Condemns Karachi Violence
“The tragic events outside the US Consulate in Karachi today are very upsetting,” said Allama Syed Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi.
He added that a mourning gathering (Majlis-e-Aza) will be held today at Numaish Chowrangi.
Allama Shehenshah Naqvi said that martyrdom is an honor.
He further stated that mourning gatherings will be held across areas from Numaish Chowrangi to Iranian localities.
In Lahore, hundreds of people also gathered outside the US consulate, though the protest remained largely peaceful.
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“Some of the protestors tried to damage the security gate, hundreds of yards away for the Consulate, however, police stopped them without use of force,” according to eyewitnesses.
Meanwhile, Authorities in Islamabad blocked roads leading to the diplomatic enclave as a precautionary measure. Similar demonstrations were reported near the US Embassy area in Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Rangers Deployed in Karachi
In view of the current security situation, Rangers have been deployed and patrolling key locations, sensitive installations, and major roads across Karachi.
A Rangers spokesperson urged the public to avoid lawlessness, vandalism, and violent protests during any demonstrations, stating that no attempts to disrupt law and order will be tolerated.
The spokesperson further warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the law and requested citizens to report any information to the Rangers helpline.
Meanwhile, nine people were killed in clashes with police after unrest erupted when protesters attempted to enter the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman Expresses Grief Over Martyrdom of Ali Khamenei
The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, he announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold funeral prayers in absentia (Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza) for Khamenei. He described the loss as not only that of Iran but of the entire Muslim Ummah.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman also condemned calls for regime change in Iran, calling them violations of international law, and stated that targeting the leadership of any country constitutes the gravest form of state terrorism.
He criticized the United States, saying its history is rife with breaches of international law, and accused both the U.S. and Israel of acting as terrorist states once again.
