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.
Medical authorities later confirmed that more casualties were brought in, with one injured person dying during treatment.
Witnesses said protesters gathered near the consulate and attempted to move closer to the compound, throwing stones.
READ: Israel-Iran war: Khamenei is Dead; says Netanyahu – LIVE UPDATES
Police responded by using tear gas and force to disperse the crowd.
The confrontation also caused major traffic disruption, with key roads in the area closed and vehicles diverted to alternate routes.
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.
“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.
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Similar demonstrations were reported near the US Embassy area in Iraqi capital Baghdad.
