Protests erupted across Pakistan today after Iran confirmed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in a US and Israeli airstrike on Tehran. Demonstrators marched toward US diplomatic missions in Pakistan, showing solidarity with Iran.
Hundreds of people scaled the main gate and stormed the US consulate in the southern city of Karachi, using hammers to smash several windows.
"We must unite. No power can stop us," a protester said in a video circulating on social media.
Pakistani police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes. Security forces reportedly opened fire on the aggressive protesters, causing deaths and injuries.
Summaiya Syed, a police doctor, stated that at least 9 bodies were transported to a Karachi hospital, and around 20 people were injured, mostly from gunshot wounds.
Earlier, hundreds of protesters also gathered outside the US consulate in the central city of Lahore. They scuffled with police, but no violence occurred.
"Some protesters tried to damage the security gate. However, police stopped them without using force," witness Aqeel Raza told Reuters.
In the capital Islamabad, all roads leading to the "red zone", which houses the Pakistani parliament and foreign diplomatic missions, were blocked to traffic, according to Pakistani police.
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Shiite Muslims in Pakistan protest against the US-Israeli attack on Iran in Lahore on 1/3. Photo: AFP |
Pro-Iran protests also took place in other Middle Eastern and Asian countries. In Iraq, protesters advanced toward and attempted to storm the Green Zone, home to the US embassy, in Baghdad. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In India, residents of the Jammu and Kashmir region and the city of Lucknow planned protests. The Iranian Embassy in India called the actions of the US and Israel an "unforgivable crime" that governments worldwide should condemn.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, called on relevant parties in the Middle East to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
