Govt urges calm as nationwide protests leave 19 dead after Khamenei assassination
KARACHI / LAHORE / GILGIT / ISLAMABAD: At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured in nationwide protests following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported US-Israeli attack, according to health and law enforcement officials.
Clashes erupted in multiple cities as demonstrations turned violent.
Officials confirmed:
-
10 deaths in Karachi
-
7 in Gilgit
-
2 in Islamabad
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi appealed for calm, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
“Today is a sorrowful day for the entire Muslim ummah, Pakistan’s public and Iran’s public,” he said in a video statement.
“You may protest, but please do so peacefully.”
Karachi sees highest casualties
In Karachi, violent clashes occurred near the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road. Police used teargas and baton charge to disperse protesters.
According to Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed:
-
10 people died
-
62 injured near US Consulate
-
Total injured across Karachi: 73
-
6 remain in critical condition
Section 144 was imposed across Sindh, banning protests, rallies, sit-ins and display of weapons for one month.
The Sindh government formed a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the incident.
Islamabad: Clashes near Diplomatic Enclave
Two protesters were killed and over 30 injured near the Diplomatic Enclave after authorities enforced Section 144.
Police and Rangers used heavy shelling to prevent protesters from entering the Red Zone.
MWM spokesperson Hasnain Zaidi confirmed two deaths and said 15 protesters were detained.
Punjab imposes seven-day ban
In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US Consulate. One protester climbed the consulate wall but was later released after negotiations.
Punjab government imposed a seven-day ban on public gatherings under Section 144, citing security threats.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Curfew imposed
Seven people were killed and 45 injured in Gilgit.
In Skardu, curfew was imposed under Article 245. Several public and private buildings were set ablaze, including regional offices and educational institutions.
Major highways including Karakoram Highway were blocked, disrupting commercial activity.
Government appeals for restraint
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah termed the incident “extremely tragic” and directed an impartial investigation.
The US Embassy in Islamabad advised American citizens to avoid large gatherings and monitor local news.
Authorities nationwide urged citizens to express emotions peacefully and avoid damaging public property.
