Pakistan Protests Turn Deadly After Iran Strikes

At least 22 people were killed and more than 120 others injured after violent clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in several cities across Pakistan on Sunday. The unrest followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Karachi Violence and U.S. Consulate Attack

In Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and the capital of Sindh province, protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. According to senior police official Irfan Baloch, demonstrators briefly attacked the perimeter of the consulate.

Protesters smashed windows of the consulate building and set fire to a nearby police post. Authorities denied reports that any part of the consulate itself was set on fire. Security forces later dispersed the crowd and regained control.

Officials at the city’s main government hospital confirmed that at least 10 people died in Karachi alone. Police surgeon Summaiya Syed Tariq said six bodies were initially brought in, but four critically injured people later died from their wounds. Around 50 others were injured, some in critical condition.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appealed for calm, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to protest peacefully.

Deadly Clashes in Gilgit-Baltistan

In the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, at least 12 people were killed and more than 80 wounded when thousands of protesters attacked government and U.N. offices.

Demonstrators targeted the United Nations Military Observer Group and the United Nations Development Programme offices. Local police official Asghar Ali said protesters damaged property, set fire to police offices, and attacked a local charity building.

Government spokesman Shabir Mir confirmed that all U.N. staff were safe. Authorities later deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew to control the situation.

Protests Spread to Other Cities

In Islamabad, police used tear gas and batons to stop hundreds of protesters from marching toward the U.S. Embassy located in the diplomatic enclave.

Similar clashes occurred in Peshawar, where thousands attempted to approach the U.S. Consulate. Police dispersed the crowd using force.

In Lahore, protesters also gathered near the U.S. Consulate and clashed with police.

Meanwhile, a peaceful rally was held in Multan, where demonstrators chanted slogans against the United States and Israel.

President Zardari Expresses Condolences

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “profound sorrow” over the death of Khamenei and conveyed condolences to Iran. He said Pakistan stands with the Iranian people in their moment of grief.

U.S. Embassy Advisory

The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said it is monitoring reports of demonstrations at U.S. consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as possible protests in Islamabad and Peshawar.

The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Pakistan to avoid large crowds, monitor local news, stay alert, and keep their travel registration updated.

Security Tightened Nationwide

Authorities have increased security around the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and consulates across the country to prevent further violence.

The situation remains tense, but officials say security forces are working to maintain order and prevent additional unrest.