At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across the country, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, and 11 people in the northern city of Skardu, where the crowd torched a UN office, while two were killed in capital Islamabad.

The protests erupted after the confirmation of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike the other day. The protests were called by various organisations.

In Karachi, protesters chanted “Death to America! Death to Israel!” outside the consulate, where Reuters reporters heard gunfire and saw tear gas being fired in surrounding streets. The demonstrators also set a vehicle ablaze outside the main gate and clashed with police.

Protesters gathered after various organisations announced demonstrations against the attacks on Iran, attempting to force their way through the consulate’s main gate, vandalising property and setting ablaze a traffic police post, along with multiple motorcycles.

Police responded with tear gas and firing as stone-pelting intensified and reinforcements were summoned from across the city. Police Surgeon Dr Sameeya Tariq confirmed in a statement that 10 people were killed and 96 were injured in the violence,

She said eight bodies were brought to the hospital, while two others died during treatment. five police personnel and three other individuals were injured in protests, while an emergency was imposed at all hospitals.

According to the medico-legal report (MLR), a police statement said, four of the injured people outside the US consulate were hurt due to stone pelting or baton strikes, while 26 injured persons had bullet wounds.

The violence continued intermittently until evening. The unrest caused severe traffic disruption across the city as Sindh Rangers deployed mobile vigilance teams and warned that vandalism and violent protest would invite strict legal action.

UN office set on fire

In Skardu, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, the UN building was set ablaze. “A large number of protesters gathered outside the UN office and burned down the building,” local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters.

“At least seven people were killed in today’s clashes in Gilgit,” Zaheer Shah, a rescue official said. However, a Reuters report said two government officials gave the figure of 11 dead, while speaking on condition of anonymity. The army was later deployed to control the situation.

Protesters also took to the streets in other parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. In Lahore, police said hundreds gathered outside the US consulate. Small-scale clashes occurred when police fired tear gas to control the crowd.

In the capital Islamabad, thousands of protesters, carrying black flags and chanting “Down with America!” and anti-Israel slogans, gathered in Aabpara Chowk and attempted to march towards the US Embassy despite heavy police deployment and containers placed to seal the Red Zone.

Protesters pelted stones at police, entered the restricted area and reached the gate of the Diplomatic Enclave. Police responded with tear gas and aerial firing, using armoured vehicles to push the protesters back to Aabpara Chowk.

Two officials, while speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that two people died and nearly 10 others were injured. The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen claimed three people died in the clashes, but the police denied the claim.

All roads leading to the Red Zone were blocked to traffic, police said. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who visited the Red Zone, urged protesters to remain peaceful. “We stand with you,” he said, adding that every Pakistani was as grief-stricken as the people of Iran.

Another demonstration was held in front of the Peshawar Press Club, organised by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan. A large number of protesters, including women and children, carried banners and placards in support of Iran and chanted slogans against Israel and the United States.

Following the violent protests, the Punjab government and the Islamabad administration imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations amid heightened security concerns. Officials said the restrictions were a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

(AGENCIES WITH INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS)