Karachi, Pakistan – At least 10 people were killed and more than 70 wounded on Sunday as protests erupted in Pakistan following the reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike. The demonstrations, concentrated near the United States consulate in Karachi, turned violent as security forces attempted to disperse crowds attempting to breach the facility, according to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.
The unrest underscores the escalating tensions in the region following the reported attack on Khamenei, who had led Iran for over three decades. The strikes, a coordinated effort between the United States and Israel, triggered a period of national mourning in Iran and warnings of retaliation from Tehran, as reported by the Associated Press.
In Karachi, police used tear gas and, in some instances, opened fire on protesters, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Dr. Sumaiya Syed of Civil Hospital confirmed to PTI that the facility had received 10 bodies, some bearing gunshot wounds, and was treating approximately 30 injured individuals, including four police officers. Senior police official SSP Asad Reza told PTI that protesters attacked officers, prompting the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to regain control of the situation.
The protests weren’t limited to Karachi. Large demonstrations also broke out in Gilgit Baltistan, where at least seven people were killed and dozens wounded, according to AFP, citing rescue official Zaheer Shah. In Islamabad, authorities blocked roads leading to the “Red Zone,” which houses diplomatic missions, including the US embassy and parliament, in anticipation of further demonstrations. Police reportedly fired tear gas at protesters attempting to march towards the diplomatic enclave, Reuters reported.
Protests Spread Beyond Pakistan
The wave of protests extended beyond Pakistan’s borders, with demonstrations reported in Iraq and Indian-administered Kashmir. In Baghdad, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the US embassy compound, expressing outrage over Khamenei’s death. One masked protester told AFP, “The martyrdom of Sayyed Ali Khamenei has hurt us.” He added, “We are here because we aim for the withdrawal of the occupying American forces from Iraq.”
In Indian-administered Kashmir, several thousand Shia Muslims demonstrated in Srinagar, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans. “This day, we are all very heavy-hearted. We are mourning our beloved leader who was martyred,” said Syed Towfeeq, 40, to AFP. “We all have a message for [US President Donald] Trump… We will always stand against your oppression.”
United Nations Office Targeted in Gilgit Baltistan
The unrest took a further turn in Pakistan’s northern city of Skardu, in the Gilgit Baltistan region, where protesters set fire to a United Nations office building. Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters that no casualties were reported in the incident. The Gilgit Baltistan region, known for its Himalayan peaks, is predominantly Shia Muslim.
Lahore Remains Calm, Islamabad on Alert
While protests in Lahore remained largely peaceful, with hundreds gathering outside the US consulate without reported violence, authorities remain on high alert in Islamabad. Witnesses told Reuters that protesters attempted to damage the security gate of the consulate but were prevented from doing so by police. A demonstration is expected near the US embassy in Islamabad later on Sunday.
The escalating protests follow the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a pivotal figure in Iranian politics for over three decades. The death of Khamenei has ignited widespread grief in Iran and raised concerns about potential retaliatory actions. The US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed it was monitoring the demonstrations at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as potential protests in Islamabad, and Peshawar.
The situation remains fluid, and further demonstrations are anticipated in the coming days. Authorities in Pakistan and across the region are bracing for potential further unrest as tensions continue to rise in the wake of this significant geopolitical event. The next official updates are expected from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding security measures and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
If you or someone you realize is struggling with difficult emotions related to these events, resources are available. You can reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline at 988.
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