At least nine killed in pro-Iran protest at US consulate in Karachi

KARACHI — At least nine people were killed near the United States consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, after violent protests erupted in response to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes.

Security forces opened fire on hundreds of pro-Iran protesters attempting to storm the consulate early Sunday morning, leaving several others injured. A paramilitary vehicle was deployed on the street as smoke rose from the protest site.

Local authorities confirmed that the bodies of at least nine victims were transported to Karachi’s civil hospital, while video footage circulated online showed wounded individuals being assisted by bystanders and protesters attempting to breach the consulate’s security perimeter. The emotional reaction to Khamenei’s death was also seen in this footage of a state TV presenter crying while announcing his death, highlighting the profound impact of the assassination.

Large-scale demonstrations were also reported in other parts of Pakistan. In the northern city of Skardu, a crowd set fire to a United Nations office building in the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan region, though no casualties were reported.

In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate. While some attempted to damage the security gate, authorities successfully controlled the crowd without resorting to force.

The protests reflect widespread anger in Pakistan following the killing of Khamenei, intensifying tensions in the region and highlighting the deep impact of the assassination on international relations.