Karachi. Protests in Karachi, Pakistan turned violent after the news of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The mob that gathered outside the US Consulate on MT Khan Road indulged in arson and vandalism. As the situation went out of control, at least 12 people were reported killed and more than 30 injured in the firing by security forces.
According to eyewitnesses, a large number of protesters marched towards the embassy and tried to break the barricades. The mob pelted stones at the security forces and attempted to enter the campus. Initially tear gas shells were fired and lathi charge was used to control the situation, but when the tension increased, firing took place. According to local media reports, several bodies were found near the scene, while the injured were taken to hospital via ambulance. Police surgeon Dr. Sumaiya Syed, posted at Civil Hospital, Karachi, told the media that six bodies have been brought to the hospital. Two injured policemen and two protesters have been admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Some of the injured have been confirmed to have been shot, while the policemen are said to have been injured by sharp and blunt weapons.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanzar has sought an immediate report from Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police Azad Khan. A statement issued by his office said that no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands and instructions have been given to tighten the security of sensitive establishments.
traffic affected
Due to the protest, traffic was closed in both directions from Sultanabad traffic section to Mai Kolachi. Karachi Traffic Police has arranged for alternative routes. Additional police and Rangers forces have been deployed in many parts of the city.
Protests in other cities also
It is being told in media reports that apart from Karachi, protests also took place in other cities of Pakistan, although the situation there remained under control. Hundreds of people gathered outside the US Consulate in Lahore, but no major violence was reported. Regional analysts believe that this incident is an effect of increasing tension in the Middle East, the impact of which has now reached South Asia. At present, the situation in Karachi remains sensitive and the administration has appealed to the people to maintain peace.