Pakistan pro Iran protests intensified over the weekend after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US Israeli strikes, with nationwide unrest leaving at least 25 people killed according to an AFP tally.
Large demonstrations erupted in Karachi, Islamabad, Gilgit and Skardu where protesters clashed with security forces and attempted to storm American diplomatic buildings.
The violence prompted authorities to impose curfews in northern regions and deploy army units to restore order.
Rising toll and widespread clashes
At least 10 people were killed in Karachi where hundreds of protesters tried to enter the US consulate. Police and demonstrators exchanged gunfire according to hospital records which showed nine of the deaths were caused by gunshot wounds. More than 70 others were injured.
In Gilgit Baltistan clashes intensified as protesters confronted police. Local officials confirmed at least 13 killed seven in Gilgit and six in Skardu. Curfews were imposed in both cities until Wednesday with military presence on the streets.
Two more people were killed in Islamabad where thousands marched carrying photos of Khamenei. Police fired tear gas near the diplomatic enclave hosting the US embassy.
Escalation in multiple regions
• Karachi saw attempted breaches of the US consulate gate and damage to windows before police dispersed crowds with tear gas.
• Skardu witnessed protesters storming a United Nations office and setting it on fire destroying nearby vehicles.
• Lahore and other eastern cities also recorded mass gatherings condemning the killing of Khamenei.
Political reactions and public anger
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the killing of Khamenei as a violation of international law and reiterated that heads of state or government should not be targeted. He expressed condolences to the Iranian people calling the incident a moment of grief and sorrow.
In multiple rallies protesters accused the United States and Israel of responsibility and criticized the Pakistani government for what they saw as a weak response.
Several demonstrators told AFP that their leader had been martyred and that they intended to continue expressing their anger.
Economic fallout
Pakistan’s stock market suffered a historic drop on Monday. The KSE-100 Index fell 9.6 percent shedding 16,089 points the sharpest single day decline on record. Analysts described the situation as alarming for an already struggling economy.
Security warnings and international responses
Foreign embassies including the United States and the United Kingdom issued alerts urging citizens in Pakistan to remain cautious.
Authorities in Islamabad and Karachi increased security around diplomatic areas in anticipation of further demonstrations.
Key developments to watch
• Duration of curfew enforcement in Gilgit and Skardu
• Potential new protests following official reactions
• Market and economic stability over the coming days
Conclusion:
Pakistan faces one of its most turbulent moments in recent years as political outrage over Khamenei’s killing triggers unrest across major cities. Authorities remain on high alert amid fears of renewed violence.
