Across Pakistan, widespread demonstrations have turned deadly and chaotic, leaving dozens of people killed and many more injured. The protests erupted after news spread of the reported assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.–Israeli airstrike, which deeply angered many groups in the country.
Large crowds gathered in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and the northern city of Skardu to express grief and protest against the attack. Demonstrators chanted slogans and, in some areas, attempted to force their way into foreign diplomatic compounds, especially outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.
In Karachi, tensions escalated as protesters clashed with security forces near the consulate. Many threw stones and set fire to vehicles and roadblocks, leading to confrontations with police and paramilitary units. Security personnel used tear gas and, in some instances, live fire to disperse the crowds. Local hospital officials confirmed that several people died from gunshot wounds and dozens were injured during the clashes.
Meanwhile, in Skardu and other northern regions, crowds also grew violent. In some cases, protesters burned down buildings, including a United Nations office in Skardu, and engaged in clashes with law enforcement. These confrontations resulted in additional deaths and injuries, prompting authorities to call in further security forces, including the army, to help restore order.
Protests were not limited to the south and north; Islamabad saw large gatherings near diplomatic zones and public areas. Law enforcement responded with crowd control measures, including tear gas and roadblocks, to prevent the protests from spreading into sensitive areas.
The violent scenes highlight the deep anger and emotional reaction among parts of the Pakistani population following regional events involving Iran. While many protesters marched to show solidarity and express grief, clashes with security forces turned several demonstrations into deadly confrontations.
