The death toll from the shooting at the United States Consulate Karachi has risen to 11 after another injured person died during treatment, hospital officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident took place on Sunday when protesters allegedly breached the outer wall of the consulate compound. The protest erupted after reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Casualties and Hospital Updates
According to the police surgeon, eight bodies were initially brought to hospitals, while three more victims later died from their injuries. Out of 97 injured people, 75 have been discharged after medical treatment.
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At the Trauma Centre of Civil Hospital Karachi, five injured individuals remain under treatment, all reported to be in critical condition.
Deadly clashes erupt outside US consulate in Karachi after news of Khamenei’s death
Eleven injured are being treated at a hospital in the Garden area, while six others are admitted to a private hospital on Stadium Road. Two of them are said to be in critical condition.
Officials fear the death toll may rise further as several victims remain in serious condition.
US Marines Opened Fire, Say Officials
According to Reuters, two US officials confirmed that US Marines opened fire during the storming of the consulate. However, they said it remains unclear whether the Marines’ gunfire caused any casualties. They also could not confirm whether private security guards or local police fired shots during the chaos.
A Karachi police official told Reuters that gunfire appeared to come from inside the consulate premises. Social media videos showed protesters running as shots were heard, and at least one individual appeared to fire toward the compound.
The US military referred questions to the United States Department of State, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Sindh Government Forms Joint Investigation Team
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government has formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the incident. He stated that the JIT would submit its report within 15 days.
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“The investigation will determine how the firing started and who was responsible,” Memon said, adding that no final conclusions should be drawn before the inquiry is complete.
Nationwide Protests and Security Measures
Following the violence, authorities imposed a nationwide ban on large gatherings as protests spread across Pakistan. Reports indicate that 26 people have died in related unrest across the country.
Roads leading to the US Consulate in Karachi have been sealed, with heavy police deployment in the area. Similar security measures have been implemented around US diplomatic missions in Lahore and Islamabad.
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Pakistan has the world’s second-largest Shi’ite population after Iran, and tensions have remained high following the reported killing of Iran’s leader. Community leaders have called for further protests despite the ban.
Security at US diplomatic missions in Pakistan is typically handled by private contractors and local law enforcement. The reported involvement of US Marines in firing during the protest marks a rare and serious development that could affect diplomatic relations.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to remain calm while awaiting official findings.
