Deadly Protests Erupt Outside U.S. Consulate in Karachi

At least nine individuals lost their lives on Sunday during a pro-Iranian protest outside the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, while numerous others sustained injuries in the chaos that unfolded.

Hundreds of Shiite Muslim demonstrators gathered around the consulate following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. An AFP reporter witnessed these events unfold near the diplomatic compound.

According to medical records accessed by AFP, nine people died from gunshot wounds. A representative from a rescue service indicated that police and security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd, injuring at least 20 more individuals.

As of 3 PM local time, clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators were still ongoing outside the consulate, with reports of escalating violence.

Protests were also widespread in other regions of Pakistan. In Skardu, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area, a predominantly Shiite region known for its scenic mountains, demonstrators set fire to a United Nations office building.

Sabir Hussain, a protester, voiced a shared sentiment, stating, “Pakistan doesn’t need anything that has anything to do with America,” while pointing out the local government’s alignment with U.S. interests.

The demonstrators chanted slogans calling for revenge against the United States, Israel, and their allies. Earlier in the day, a group of young protesters managed to scale the main gate and enter the consulate’s premises, breaking several windows before police fired tear gas to disperse them.