KARACHI: At least nine people were killed and 36 others injured as clashes escalated between police and demonstrators protesting outside the US Consulate in Karachi following reported US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials confirmed.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that all injured and deceased have been taken to Civil Hospital. Those killed have been identified as Kazim, Mubarak, Adeel, Abbas, Sajid, Khawar, and Mohammad Ali, while two remain unidentified.
Hospital authorities said that those affected sustained injuries due to firing, baton charge and stampede during the unrest.
According to the head of the Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Sabir Memon, eight bodies have so far been brought to the hospital, while 20 injured individuals are receiving medical treatment
Later, one injured person succumbed to his injuries.
He stated that the process of identifying the deceased is currently underway and may take some time.
The protesters had gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to move towards the premises, pelting stones, after which police resorted to shelling and force to disperse the crowd.
Rescue officials earlier reported multiple injuries as clashes intensified in the high-security zone.
Meanwhile, traffic movement in the area was severely affected due to the protest. Authorities closed the road from Sultanabad leading towards Mai Kolachi, causing significant traffic congestion.
According to Karachi traffic police, vehicles coming from Jinnah Bridge are being diverted towards II Chundrigar Road, traffic from Boat Basin is being given a U-turn at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and vehicles from PIDC are being sent back.
Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has sought details of the incident from the Additional IG Karachi. In a statement, the home minister said that no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Lanjar directed to strengthen security at sensitive installations across the province.
Separately in Islamabad, all roads leading to the red zone, which houses diplomatic missions and parliament, were blocked for traffic or any other public movement, police said.
The district administration has imposed Section 144, banning all types of public gatherings.
According to the Islamabad district administration, any form of assembly will be deemed illegal under Section 144. Citizens have been advised to refrain from participating in any protest, demonstration or gathering.
The administration warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the orders.
In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate, but there were no reports of violence.
"Some of the protestors tried to damage the security gate, hundreds of yards away from the Consulate, however, police stopped them without use of force," Aqeel Raza, an eyewitness, told Reuters.
Meanwhile, pro-Iranian protesters also gathered outside the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located.
— With additional input from Reuters
