At least nine people have reportedly been killed and several others injured in Karachi after clashes broke out between police and protesters marching towards the United States Consulate following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike.
The violence erupted on Sunday along MT Khan Road as crowds gathered outside the consulate after Iran confirmed Khamenei's death, Pakistani newspaper The Express Tribune reports.
Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, while some demonstrators reportedly responded by throwing stones, according to the report. A heavy police presence remained deployed in the area.
Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hasan Langar sought immediate details from Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police and warned that “no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands”.
He directed authorities to enhance security at sensitive installations and to identify alternative routes to maintain traffic flow during the demonstrations.
According to The Express Tribune, Shia organisations had announced a march towards the US Consulate in protest against Khamenei’s killing.