At least 26 people have been killed and dozens injured across Pakistan following widespread protests triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The violence erupted on Sunday as demonstrators, primarily from Pakistan's Shi'ite community, targeted U.S. diplomatic facilities and government buildings.
Key Takeaways
Protests erupted across Pakistan following US-Israel strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in at least 26 deaths and widespread clashes.
- At least 10 protesters died in Karachi after attempting to storm the U.S. Consulate
- Eight people were killed in Gilgit-Baltistan region where protesters set fire to a UN office
- Two additional deaths reported in Islamabad as demonstrations spread nationwide
The deadliest clashes occurred in Karachi, where at least 10 protesters were killed and more than 50 wounded when security forces opened fire to disperse crowds attempting to storm the U.S. Consulate. Witnesses reported that demonstrators breached the consulate's outer perimeter, set a nearby police post ablaze, and smashed windows before being pushed back by authorities.
In the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, at least 8 people were killed and dozens injured when protesters attacked United Nations offices in Skardu. Authorities imposed a three-day curfew in the area to maintain law and order. Additional deaths were reported in Islamabad, where security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to prevent protesters from reaching the U.S. Embassy.
Pakistan's government condemned the US-Israel strikes and expressed solidarity with Iran while urging citizens to protest peacefully. The Pakistani Interior Minister described it as a day of mourning for both nations but warned against taking the law into one's own hands.
The protests reflect deep anger within Pakistan's Shi'ite community, which views Khamenei as a spiritual leader. Demonstrations also occurred in other major cities including Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan, though with less violence reported. Authorities have heightened security around all U.S. diplomatic facilities nationwide.
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