Violent clashes in Pakistan following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have left at least nine dead and more than 50 injured, as protesters attempted to storm U.S. diplomatic missions, officials said.
Karachi: Storming the U.S. Consulate
In Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and southern port hub, hundreds of Shiite demonstrators clashed with police near the U.S. Consulate. Witnesses reported that protesters smashed some consulate windows and torched a nearby police post.
“Dozens of Shiite protesters remained gathered about a kilometer from the consulate, urging others to join them,” a witness said.
Authorities deployed hundreds of police and paramilitary Rangers to disperse the crowds. While no part of the consulate was set on fire, the violence lasted for several hours, leaving at least six dead at Karachi hospitals initially; the toll later rose to nine as three critically injured individuals succumbed.
Northern Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan Clashes
In the Gilgit-Baltistan region, thousands of protesters attacked offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group and the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), as well as local government buildings. Police confirmed at least two fatalities in the northern region, though all U.N. staff remained safe.
Other Protests Across Pakistan
- Islamabad: Police fired tear gas and used batons to stop hundreds of Shiite protesters marching toward the U.S. Embassy.
- Peshawar: Tear gas and batons were used to disperse demonstrators at the consulate.
- Multan and Lahore: Peaceful rallies and smaller clashes occurred, with participants chanting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.
Authorities have increased security at U.S. embassies and consulates nationwide to prevent further violence. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appealed for calm, urging citizens to express grievances peacefully.
“Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan shares in the grief of the people of Iran,” Naqvi said, calling for lawful and nonviolent protests.
Context
Shiites constitute roughly 15% of Pakistan’s 250 million population. While anti-U.S. and anti-Israel protests are not uncommon among this community, clashes of this magnitude are rare. The protests were sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran that killed Khamenei, intensifying regional tensions.
The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan has advised American citizens to remain vigilant, monitor local news, avoid large gatherings, and keep travel registrations up to date.
