Police, protesters clash in Karachi after Iran’s Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strike

KARACHI:

At least 10 people were killed and several injured on Sunday after clashes broke out between police and protesters on MT Khan Road as crowds marched towards the US Consulate following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike.

Edhi Welfare Organisation’s information wing confirmed that nine people have been killed and several injured near Mai Kolachi Road during the firing and unrest. They were transferred to the Civil Hospital Trauma Center.

32 injured have been brought in and are receiving medical treatment, authorities at the Trauma Centre said. The identification of the bodies is currently underway, they added.

Among the deceased are 23-year-old Kazim, 26-year-old Mubarak, 25-year-old Adil, 25-year-old Abbas, 20-year-old Khawar Abbas, 28-year-old Sajid Ali, and 23-year-old Muhammad Ali. One injured person later succumbed to his wounds, raising the death toll to 10.

According to an official statement by the Sindh government, demonstrators breached the external security perimeter of the consulate, entered the premises, and caused damage.

Authorities have placed containers around all sides of the US Consulate in Karachi to strengthen security ahead of planned protests.

Additional Inspector General Karachi, Azad Khan, and Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi visited the consulate to oversee the arrangements and ensure law and order in the area.

Sindh extends Section 144 for a month

In the wake of recent unrest, the Sindh government extended Section 144 across the province for another month, keeping restrictions on public gatherings and the display of arms in place.

The restrictions, which will come into effect from March 1, 2026, aim to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order. Authorities warned that any violation of the order would result in strict legal action.

In addition, private security personnel have been instructed to refrain from openly displaying firearms while on duty. The provincial administration said the measures are being taken to ensure public safety and prevent disturbances during the extended period of Section 144.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in a video message that “today is a day of mourning for the Muslim Ummah, as well as for the people of Iran and Pakistan.”

He stated that following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, every citizen of Pakistan is as grieved as the people of Iran. He added that Pakistan stands in solidarity and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, requesting that any protests be recorded in a peaceful manner.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Islamabad said: “We are monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar.

“We advise US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and observe good personal security practices, including remaining aware of their surroundings, avoiding large crowds, and ensuring their STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme) registration is up to date.”

Allama Syed Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi, in a video message, appealed for calm in Pakistan following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Commander Ali Khamenei.

In the video message, he said, “The Muslim Ummah is mourning the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Commander Ali Khamenei.”

He also urged the Pakistani public to remain peaceful. Allama Naqvi added, “Pakistan’s soil is currently facing unrest, particularly due to global, and especially Zionist, conspiracies.”

He added that we have issues on our borders, and clouds of terrorism are looming over the country.

“On the occasion of this assassination, express your devotion keeping in mind the sorrow of Karbala.”

Allam Naqvi calling the protests outside the US Consulate in Karachi distressing.

The Sindh government has formed a high-level joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct an impartial review of the events. The statement by the Sindh government stated, “The JIT will determine under what circumstances the incident occurred, what its causes were, and who is responsible.”

The statement added that the government respects the democratic and constitutional right of citizens to protest; however, maintaining a peaceful environment is our shared responsibility. “Any form of vandalism, violence, or taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable.”

The statement said that citizens are urged to express their feelings only peacefully and lawfully.

“Under no circumstances should the law be taken into their own hands.”

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar requested immediate details from the Additional IG Karachi, stressing that, “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

He called for enhanced security at sensitive installations. He added that alternative routes should be determined to maintain traffic flow during the protests.

“Law enforcement agencies are fully alert and monitoring the situation closely,” the minister added.

The minister concluded that action will be taken against those disrupting law and order in accordance with the law.

Shia organisations had announced a march towards the US Consulate in Karachi in protest of the Ayatollah’s death and voiced their intention to march towards the mission.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed sorrow over the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

In a statement, CM Murad said that during this time of grief, the people of Sindh stand in solidarity with Iran and all those mourning.

Commenting on the violent incident at the US Consulate in Karachi, the chief minister described it as “extremely regrettable” and noted that lives were lost. He has ordered impartial investigations into the consulate incident, read the statement.

“At a time when the country faces a war-like situation, it is not appropriate to sabotage law and order,” added the statement.

The statement said that CM Murad held consultations with religious leaders, including Allama Shahenshah Naqvi and Allama Shabbir Meesmi, urging them to ensure that public emotions are kept under control.

According to the statement, some leaders proposed holding a mourning congregation, and the chief minister instructed authorities and police to provide full security for the event.

In the statement, CM Murad appealed to all religious scholars and representatives of different schools of thought to guide the public towards peace and order. Regarding the incident at the US Consulate, the CM said, “The government cannot allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.”

The chief minister also directed the administration and police to maintain law and order at all costs, stressing, “Protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s foremost priority,” and urged the public to cooperate.

Edhi Information confirmed that several injured were shifted to Civil Hospital after reports of firing. A heavy police contingent remained deployed on MT Khan Road.

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded with stone-throwing, according to reports.

The rally set off from Abbas Town on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. Organisers and a large number of workers from Shia organisations also began gathering at Numaish Chowrangi.

Participants, including organisers and supporters of Shia groups, were seen moving towards the US Consulate as the gathering continued.

Read: More strikes aimed at Iran after US, Israeli assault kills supreme leader Khamenei

Traffic police said routes leading to Numaish Chowrangi had been closed and alternative routes were being provided to motorists.

Angry protesters also set the traffic police post in Sultanabad on fire.

Protests spread

Protests have also been reported in Islamabad and Lahore on Sunday following the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei.

In Islamabad, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a protest and a planned encirclement of the US Embassy. Authorities have responded by sealing the Red Zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.

Security checkpoints have been intensified, with every vehicle and motorcycle being thoroughly inspected. Armoured vehicles and extra forces have also been deployed. The Islamabad Police urged citizens not to travel towards the Red Zone.

Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad, said the district administration. Under Section 144, all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.

The district administration urged citizens not to participate in any gatherings or assemblies. It warned that strict legal action will be taken in the event of any protest, demonstration, or gathering.

In Lahore, protests have continued outside the Press Club against Israel and the United States’ actions against Iran. Security at the US Consulate has been tightened, and fresh police units have arrived to reinforce the area.

Protesters began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, carrying placards bearing the image of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Anti-US slogans were reportedly raised, while the Anti-Riot Force maintained a strong security presence at the protest site.

US-Iran conflict

The United States and Israel said an air strike killed Khamenei as part of what they described as the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades. Iranian state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump said the air strikes on Iranian targets were aimed at ending a decades-long threat from Iran and ensuring it could not develop a nuclear weapon, as he sought to justify a risky move that appeared to go against his professed opposition to American involvement in complex overseas conflicts.

On Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in response to the initial attacks, targeting US troops in the region and cities in Israel and Arab countries allied with Washington, leading to widespread flight cancellations across the region.

With input from our correspondents in Islamabad and Lahore