Karachi Violence During Anti-US Protests: 9 Killed as Pakistan Reacts to Iran Conflict Escalation

Protests are continuing in various cities across Pakistan, including Karachi and Islamabad, against the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Sunday, at least nine people were killed and several others injured in firing during a protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi.

Angry protesters also set fire to United Nations offices in Gilgit and Skardu. Demonstrations were also held in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and other cities.

Videos circulating on social media show some individuals breaking through the gate and entering the US Consulate in Karachi, after which they smashed the glass at the reception area and security rooms.

The DIG of Karachi Police’s East Zone said that some agitated individuals managed to enter the consulate, but police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

A senior doctor at Civil Hospital Karachi said that nine bodies and at least 32 injured people were brought to the hospital following violent clashes with police.

An official from the private rescue service Edhi Foundation also confirmed that they transported nine bodies and dozens of injured individuals to the hospital.

Protesters Demand Removal of US Flag from Consulate Building

The situation near the US Consulate remains tense.

Angry protesters are gathered near Tower in Karachi and are attempting to move again toward the consulate. Police have carried out heavy shelling and used rubber bullets against the demonstrators.

Police have offered to allow the protesters to hold their demonstration away from the consulate at Bahria College, but the protesters insist on protesting outside the consulate itself.

Protesters have demanded that the US flag be taken down from the consulate building. However, police say this is not within their authority, after which protesters demanded that the Prime Minister and Interior Minister be contacted to have the US flag removed.

Due to the tension, police from various districts of Karachi have been called in, along with special police units.

Deputy Commissioner Keamari Amir Fazal Awaisi said that at around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, angry protesters came from the Saddar area and attempted to enter the consulate through the PIDC gate.

According to him, police arrived and tried to stop the protesters, but some managed to enter, during which firing occurred.

However, the Deputy Commissioner did not clarify where the firing originated.

Protests in Islamabad, Lahore, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Other Cities

In Islamabad, all roads leading to the Red Zone have been closed in view of the protests.

Protesters gathered at Aabpara Chowk in Islamabad announced a march toward the US Embassy, after which police used shelling against them.

A large number of protesters are present on Shahrah-e-Dastoor, and slogans against the United States and Israel continue.

During the protests, a private news channel’s DSNG vehicle was also attacked, resulting in broken glass. Staff members were reportedly subjected to violence.

According to an official from Islamabad Police’s Special Branch, the number of protesters is increasing rather than decreasing.

He said that three layers of security have been established at Serena Chowk and along routes leading to the Red Zone, particularly toward the Diplomatic Enclave.

He added that FC and Rangers personnel are also assisting the police.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, while reports indicate that protesters threw stones at police officers. As a result, four police officers were injured, and one journalist was also injured due to stone-pelting.

Earlier, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Islamabad Red Zone, Diplomatic Enclave, and other areas. He stated that protest is everyone’s legal right, but no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

In Lahore, protesters are present outside the US Consulate, and police have used shelling to disperse them.

The US Embassy in Pakistan said it is monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations outside the US Consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for further protests outside the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate in Peshawar.

In a post on the social media platform X, the embassy advised US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and take personal safety precautions.

US citizens have been advised to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid crowded places, and safeguard their documents.

United Nations Offices Set on Fire in Gilgit and Skardu

According to journalist Zubair Khan, violent protests took place in Gilgit-Baltistan’s headquarters and in Skardu, during which United Nations offices were set on fire.

Clashes occurred at multiple locations in Gilgit and Skardu between angry protesters and police, resulting in injuries to several protesters, as well as injuries to the DSP of Skardu and several police personnel. In Skardu, the SP House, Software Technology Park, and United Nations offices were vandalized.

In Gilgit, the UNDP and United Nations offices were also damaged and set on fire.

According to journalist Wajahat Ali from Gilgit, a large rally was taken out in the afternoon which remained peaceful and marched along various roads, likely concluding outside the United Nations office. However, in the morning, angry individuals had surrounded the UN office.

He said protesters attempted to attack the offices, police resisted, but after tear gas ran out, police resorted to aerial firing, which did not stop the protesters, who then stormed the office.

In Skardu, eyewitness Israr Alam said protesters had been gathering on various roads since morning and were extremely agitated. As their numbers increased, they attacked the United Nations office and also charged at police.

Another eyewitness said that when police tried to protect the UN office, protesters also attacked the SP office and the Software Technology Park. Clashes between police and protesters continued for several hours, injuring multiple police personnel.

Spokesperson for the caretaker Gilgit-Baltistan government, Shabbir Mir, said security across the region has been placed on high alert and Rangers have been called in to help maintain law and order in Gilgit and Skardu. He said some unfortunate incidents occurred that should not have happened.

The government has put security on high alert at all locations and is in contact with religious leadership to help calm public sentiments.

He said accurate information regarding the injured is not currently available, but the DSP of Skardu and several police personnel were injured in the line of duty.

Protests were also held in various cities of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Demonstrators marched from the central Imambargah to Lal Chowk, where they staged a sit-in.

Protest rallies were held in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and other areas, with strong slogans raised against the United States and Israel.