Karachi protest turns deadly near US consulate; nine killed, 18 hurt

Violence erupted during a protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi, leaving at least nine people dead and 18 others injured, according to hospital officials. Demonstrators had gathered to protest US and Israeli strikes that, according to the report, martyred Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Rescue officials said multiple casualties were shifted from MT Khan Road to Civil Hospital Karachi. Hospital authorities reported injuries linked to gunfire, baton charges and stampede-like conditions during the unrest. Medical staff said more injured people were being treated, and one of the wounded later died.

Witnesses and officials said demonstrators attempted to move toward the consulate premises and threw stones, after which law enforcement used force to disperse the crowd.

The protest also caused major traffic disruption. Karachi traffic police announced diversions from key routes, including movement from Jinnah Bridge being redirected toward II Chundrigar Road, and vehicles from other areas being turned back to manage congestion.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from senior police officials and said authorities would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. He ordered heightened security at sensitive sites across the province.

In Islamabad, authorities sealed roads leading to the Red Zone and imposed Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings. Officials warned that violations would invite legal action. In Lahore, a protest was also reported outside the US consulate, but without immediate reports of violence.

The report also noted separate protests outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located, as anger over the regional escalation spread beyond Pakistan.