At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured during violent protests outside the United States Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, according to rescue officials.
Muhammad Amin, spokesperson for the Edhi Foundation rescue service, told AFP that eight bodies had been shifted to civil hospitals in Karachi. Most of the deceased reportedly suffered bullet wounds.
Protest turns violent
Hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators gathered outside the US diplomatic mission following recent US-Israel military strikes on Iran. According to reports, a group of young protesters climbed over the main gate and entered the consulate’s driveway, smashing windows and damaging property.
Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Visuals circulating on social media showed protesters vandalising parts of the compound while the American flag remained visible above the secured premises.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the circumstances under which gunfire occurred.
Protests spread across cities
Demonstrations were also reported in Lahore and Skardu, while a rally was expected near the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad, which houses the US Embassy.
In neighbouring Iraq, protesters reportedly attempted to breach Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, where the US Embassy is located. Iraq has declared three days of mourning following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Rising regional tensions
The protests erupted amid heightened tensions after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian sites. Iranian state media reported the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the attacks, though the situation remains volatile with threats of further retaliation from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Pakistan’s authorities have stepped up security around diplomatic missions as fears grow over wider unrest linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia.
Investigations into the Karachi incident are ongoing.