Violent protests erupted in several parts of Pakistan after the confirmation of the assassination of Ali Khamenei in a joint United States and Israel strike. At least 23 people were reported killed during clashes nationwide.
Among them, 10 died outside the United States Consulate General Karachi, 11 were killed in the northern city of Skardu, where protesters set fire to a United Nations office, and two deaths were reported in Islamabad.
The protests were organized by different groups after the news of the strike on Iran was confirmed. Demonstrators gathered outside the consulate in Karachi, raising slogans such as “Death to America! Death to Israel!” Reuters reporters heard gunshots and saw tear gas being used on nearby streets. Protesters also burned a vehicle outside the main gate and clashed with police personnel.
Large crowds assembled after several organizations called for demonstrations against the attacks on Iran. Some protesters tried to force their way into the main gate of the consulate, damaging property and setting fire to a traffic police checkpoint along with several motorcycles.
Police used tear gas and opened fire as stone throwing intensified. Additional security forces were called from other parts of the city. Police Surgeon Dr. Sameeya Tariq confirmed that 10 people were killed and 96 others were injured during the clashes.
According to medical reports, eight bodies were brought to hospitals, while two people died during treatment. Five police officers and three civilians were among the injured. Authorities declared an emergency at all hospitals.
Medical and legal records showed that four of the injured outside the consulate were hurt by stone pelting or baton strikes, while 26 people suffered bullet wounds.
The unrest continued intermittently until evening and caused severe traffic disruption across the city. The Sindh Rangers deployed mobile surveillance teams and warned that vandalism or violent protest would lead to strict legal action.
In Skardu, protesters set fire to a United Nations building. Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir said that a large group of demonstrators gathered outside the office and burned the structure.
Rescue officials said at least seven people were killed in clashes in Gilgit-Baltistan. However, two government officials speaking anonymously told Reuters that the death toll could be 11. Later, the Pakistan Army was deployed to help control the situation.
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Protests were also reported in other major cities including Lahore and Peshawar.
In Lahore, hundreds of people gathered outside the consulate, and police used tear gas to disperse the crowd when minor clashes broke out.
In the capital city, thousands of protesters carrying black flags and chanting “Down with America!” and other anti Israel slogans gathered at Aabpara Chowk and tried to march toward the U.S. Embassy despite heavy police deployment and container blockades around the Red Zone.
Protesters threw stones at security personnel, entered restricted areas, and reached the Diplomatic Enclave gate. Police used tear gas, aerial firing, and armored vehicles to push the crowds back to Aabpara Chowk.
Officials speaking anonymously said two people were killed and about 10 were injured. The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen claimed that three people died in the clashes, but police rejected the claim.
All roads leading to the Red Zone were closed to traffic. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the area and appealed for calm, saying “We stand with you,” and that Pakistanis shared the grief of the people of Iran.
Another protest was held outside the Peshawar Press Club, organized by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan. Large numbers of protesters, including women and children, carried banners supporting Iran and chanted slogans against the United States and Israel.
Following the violent demonstrations, the provincial government of Punjab and the administration of Islamabad imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings, rallies, and protests in order to maintain law and order during the tense situation.