By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: At least nine protesters were killed and several others injured on Sunday during violent clashes outside the United States consulate in Karachi. The unrest followed reports of a joint US-Israel strike that allegedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as demonstrators breached the consulate’s outer perimeter, overturning barricades and attempting to damage property. Some protesters tried to set fire to sections of the building before law enforcement intervened. Despite a heavy security presence, protesters briefly raised the Iranian flag near the consulate before being dispersed.
The demonstration escalated after news of Ali Khamenei’s death spread. Crowds marched toward the consulate, throwing stones and attempting to smash windows, prompting police and Rangers to respond with tear gas, baton charges, and reported firing.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that all the injured and deceased were taken to Civil Hospital. Identified among the dead were Kazim, Mubarak, Adeel, Abbas, Sajid, Khawar, and Mohammad Ali, while two bodies remain unidentified. Hospital officials said casualties resulted from gunfire, baton charges, and stampedes.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar urged law enforcement to investigate the incident and warned that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Authorities also implemented traffic diversions in the city to manage the disruption.
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