Islamabad: Violent protests erupted across Pakistan following the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and reported US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with large crowds taking to the streets in multiple cities.
Demonstrators gathered in major urban centres, expressing anger over the developments in Iran. In Karachi, at least nine people were killed and several others injured during a firing incident outside the US Consulate on Sunday. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some were reported to be in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released full details regarding the circumstances of the firing.
In separate incidents, protesters set ablaze offices of the United Nations in Gilgit and Skardu, causing significant damage to the buildings, according to local officials.
Protests were also reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces were deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. Authorities said additional personnel had been stationed at sensitive locations to prevent further escalation.
Government officials appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and refrain from violence, stating that investigations into the incidents had been initiated.