At least 22 killed and more than 120 injured amid unrest following strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader
KARACHI, Pakistan — Violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces across Pakistan have left at least 22 people dead and more than 120 injured after protesters attempted to storm a U.S. Consulate and attacked government and United Nations offices, authorities said Sunday.
The unrest followed a joint U.S.–Israel strike on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that sparked outrage among supporters of the Iranian government in several Pakistani cities.
In Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and the capital of Sindh province, protesters gathered near the U.S. Consulate. Senior police official Irfan Baloch said demonstrators briefly breached the outer perimeter before being pushed back by security forces. He rejected reports that the consulate building was set ablaze but confirmed that a nearby police post was torched and windows of the consulate were smashed before control was restored.
Hospital officials in Karachi reported that multiple injured people were brought in for treatment. Police and medical authorities said the death toll in the city rose to 10 after several critically wounded individuals succumbed to their injuries.
Further north, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, clashes turned deadly when thousands of protesters targeted offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group and the United Nations Development Programme. Local police official Asghar Ali said 12 people were killed and more than 80 injured during confrontations with security forces. Authorities reported damage to police facilities and a local charity office, with some buildings set on fire before troops were deployed to stabilize the situation. Government spokesman Shabir Mir said all U.N. staff were safe.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed what his office described as “profound sorrow” over Khamenei’s death and extended condolences to Iran, stating that Pakistan stood with the Iranian people during what he called a time of grief.
The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said it was closely monitoring demonstrations at its diplomatic facilities, including consulates in Karachi and Lahore, and noted calls for additional protests in Islamabad and Peshawar. The embassy advised American citizens to avoid large gatherings, remain alert and ensure their travel registration information is current.
In Islamabad, police used tear gas and batons to disperse hundreds of demonstrators attempting to approach the U.S. Embassy’s diplomatic enclave. Similar tactics were used in Peshawar, where thousands sought to rally near the U.S. Consulate. In Lahore, repeated clashes were reported near the consulate, prompting authorities to reinforce security at diplomatic sites nationwide.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged calm, acknowledging public grief while appealing for peaceful expression. The provincial government of Sindh also called on residents to refrain from violence.
Elsewhere, protests took a more peaceful form. In Multan, demonstrators gathered to denounce the killing of the Iranian leader, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. One participant, Mamoona Sherazi, said she joined the rally to voice opposition to the strike.
As tensions continue to ripple beyond Iran’s borders, Pakistani authorities have tightened security measures to prevent further unrest. The deadly confrontations underscore how international conflicts can quickly inflame regional passions, raising concerns about stability and the safety of diplomatic missions across the country.