Deadly Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Following Reports of Iranian Supreme Leader's Death in US-Israel Strike

Karachi. Violent protests and unrest have erupted in major Pakistani cities following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel airstrike. At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between security forces and demonstrators across the country on Sunday.

The protests took a violent turn, particularly in areas with a majority Shia population, prompting security forces to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation. Ten people died in violent clashes in Karachi, eight in Skardu, and two in the capital, Islamabad.

Near the Red Zone in Islamabad, thousands of protesters gathered, chanting slogans against the US and Israel. Police used force when demonstrators attempted to advance toward the US Embassy. According to the injured, security personnel also opened fire, resulting in over 35 injured people being treated at the government hospital in Islamabad.

In Karachi, the situation escalated when protesters breached the outer gate of the US Consulate and smashed windows of the main building, leading to the situation going out of control. Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh province, called the incident extremely tragic and ordered an impartial investigation.

Meanwhile, in Skardu, located in the northern mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, a three-day curfew has been imposed after protesters set fire to the United Nations office.

Although the Pakistani government condemned the attack on Iran, protesters expressed anger, claiming their government had not taken sufficient action. In the meantime, the US Embassy in Islamabad has warned its citizens to avoid crowded areas.

This wave of violence recalls the arson attack on the US Embassy in Pakistan in 1979, which occurred due to similar rumors. Thousands of people also took to the streets in Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad to mourn Khamenei's death and hold protests.