Shockwaves of grief and fury swept across Pakistan as reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s alleged assassination ignited mass protests in major cities.
What began as emotional gatherings quickly spiraled into chaos, bloodshed, and confrontation. Streets turned into battlegrounds, sirens pierced the air, and panic gripped residents as violence left nine people dead and several others injured.
In Karachi, hundreds of protesters converged near the US Consulate on M.T. Khan Road, attempting to breach the compound. Tensions escalated rapidly, and gunfire erupted amid the turmoil.
Authorities confirmed that nine protesters were killed during the clashes, while multiple others sustained injuries. The wounded were rushed to Civil Hospital and Jinnah Hospital for emergency treatment.
Law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, triggering stone-pelting in response. In Sultanabad, enraged protesters set a traffic police post and a motorcycle ablaze, further intensifying the unrest.
Additional Inspector General Karachi, Asad Ejaz Sheikh, reached the scene to monitor the deteriorating security situation. Police forces pushed demonstrators back and imposed tight security around the diplomatic premises.
The protests paralyzed Karachi’s traffic network. Roads connecting Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi were sealed off, and traffic from Jinnah Bridge was diverted to I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Traffic authorities confirmed that vehicles coming from PIDC were redirected at Park Cut, while routes toward Numaish Chowrangi were closed. Commuters faced hours-long delays as large sections of the city came to a halt.
Meanwhile in Lahore, demonstrators gathered outside the Press Club before attempting to march toward the US Consulate. Police blocked their advance, preventing them from reaching the diplomatic compound.
Protesters later staged a sit-in near Shimla Pahari, dismantling security barricades. The demonstration included youth, women, and children, with several women holding photographs of the Iranian leader. Emotions ran high as chants echoed through the area.
Police officials stated that stringent security arrangements have been enforced outside US consulates. While some protesters remained peaceful, multiple groups organized separate demonstrations, requiring heightened security deployment.
Both Karachi and Lahore remain on edge, with authorities urging citizens to avoid unnecessary movement as tensions continue to simmer.
