Karachi Eases Road Curbs Partially After US Consulate Protests

Karachi authorities partially lifted road closures on Friday, reopening select routes for light traffic, though major arteries in the city's commercial and diplomatic zones remained shut for a fifth consecutive day following violent protests last week.

Traffic police confirmed that the road from Jinnah Bridge towards PIDC had been reopened for light traffic, while the stretch along Mai Kolachi Road from the gate towards Jinnah Bridge was also accessible. However, MT Khan Road remained sealed with barriers and deployed police personnel, and containers continued to block the PIDC Bridge route. Residents in affected areas were permitted to enter or exit upon presenting valid identity documents.

The closures were put in place following deadly demonstrations that erupted across Pakistan on Sunday after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In Karachi, protesters breached the outer perimeter of the US consulate compound, damaging property and clashing with security forces. Eleven people were killed and several others injured in the incident.

Reuters earlier reported that US Marines opened fire on protesters as they stormed the consulate. Citing preliminary information, two US officials said it remained unclear whether Marine-fired rounds caused any fatalities, and whether other security personnel — including private guards and local police — had also discharged their weapons.