Protests erupted near the US Consulate in Karachi as Shia organizations demonstrated following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Police resorted to tear gas and road closures to manage the unrest
Protesters advanced towards the US Consulate from Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi, prompting authorities to close both main roads to traffic. On MT Khan Road, tensions escalated as police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while demonstrators pelted stones in retaliation.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation remains volatile, with law enforcement working to prevent protesters from reaching the consulate premises.
Protests across Karachi
Earlier, mourners had gathered at mosques and imambargahs in various neighborhoods of Karachi to express grief over Khamenei’s assassination. Demonstrations have also been reported at Nashim Chowrangi, where authorities closed roads to ensure safety and provided alternative routes for commuters.
Traffic police warned motorists to avoid the affected areas due to the ongoing clashes.
Background
The unrest in Karachi follows the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, which has sparked protests in multiple countries. Shia organizations in Pakistan have mobilized to express solidarity, reflecting the heightened regional tensions after the incident.
