Ayatollah Khamenei’s assassination: Death toll in protests across Pakistan rises to 23
10 die in clashes outside US consulate in Karachi, Army called out in Skardu after 11 deaths
ISLAMABAD: At least 23 people were killed in violent clashes across Pakistan following nationwide protests sparked by the confirmed assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported joint US-Israeli strike. Demonstrations were organised by various groups in several major cities.
The deadliest incident occurred in Karachi, where 10 protesters lost their lives outside the US consulate. According to officials, 96 others were injured. Protesters gathered outside the consulate chanting anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. Witnesses reported gunfire and heavy use of tear gas as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. A vehicle was set on fire at the consulate’s main gate, and a nearby traffic police post was torched along with several motorcycles.
Police Surgeon Dr Sameeya Tariq confirmed that eight bodies were brought to hospital, while two injured individuals later died during treatment. Five police personnel and three civilians were also injured. Hospitals across the city declared an emergency. A medico-legal report indicated that several injuries were caused by stone pelting and baton charges, while at least 26 people sustained bullet wounds. Violence continued sporadically throughout the day, causing major traffic disruptions. Sindh Rangers were deployed and warned that strict legal action would be taken against vandalism and violent protests.
In Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, protesters set fire to a United Nations office. Local officials reported that a large crowd gathered outside the building before burning it down. Casualty figures varied, with some officials reporting seven deaths, while others said the toll reached 11. The army was later deployed to restore order.
Protests were also reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and other cities. In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US consulate, and police used tear gas to disperse the crowd after minor clashes.
In Islamabad, thousands assembled at Aabpara Chowk carrying black flags and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Despite heavy police deployment and containers placed to seal the Red Zone, protesters attempted to march towards the US Embassy. Clashes erupted as demonstrators threw stones and entered restricted areas, reaching the Diplomatic Enclave gate. Police responded with tear gas, aerial firing and armoured vehicles to push the crowd back. Officials reported two deaths and nearly 10 injuries, though one religious group claimed the death toll was higher — a claim denied by police.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Red Zone and urged protesters to remain peaceful, expressing solidarity with Iran and calling for calm.
In Peshawar, another demonstration was held outside the Press Club, where protesters — including women and children — carried banners supporting Iran and chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
Following the unrest, authorities in Punj ab and Islamabad imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies as a precautionary step to maintain law and order amid heightened security concerns.
