Karachi, Pakistan – Tensions escalated in Karachi as protests against the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran turned violent, resulting in the deaths of nine people. Demonstrators attempted to storm the US consulate in Karachi, leading to clashes with police and rangers. The situation spiralled out of control as protesters pelted stones, and police responded with severe shelling.
The protests, which began in solidarity with Iran, turned violent as protesters tried to break through the security barricades at the US consulate on Mai Kolachi Road. The situation worsened when protesters clashed with police on MT Khan Road, leading to a massive police operation. The traffic police chowki at Sultanabad Bridge was even set on fire.
According to Dr. Sabir Mehmood, the head of the Trauma Center at the Civil Hospital, eight bodies and 20 injured protesters were brought to the hospital. Dr. Mehmood stated that the bodies were being identified, and he could not provide further information at the time.
The protests led to a complete shutdown of traffic in the area, with alternative routes being provided to the public. The Netty Jetti bridge near the Customs House was congested due to the protests, while the traffic police were deployed to maintain order.
The US embassy in Islamabad released a statement, urging American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution and avoid crowds. The embassy also advised citizens to stay informed about the situation and to follow local authorities’ instructions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussing the rapidly changing situation in the region. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, and dignity.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced a concession for postgraduate students and degree holders who had enrolled in various programs before January 16, 2023.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death has been mourned by the Muslim community. No Pakistani was affected in Iran, according to a statement by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman. The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman, Maulana Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Iranian leader.
The Rangers spokesperson emphasized that any protest should be peaceful and not disrupt public order. The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, expressed his deep grief over the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader.
The Pakistani military has taken control of the Afghan Taliban’s headquarters, and the enemy’s flag has been removed. The Chairman of the PTI, Barrister Gohar Khan, expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the Iranian leader. The Ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, also expressed his deep grief over the death of the Iranian leader.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have targeted the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles in the Gulf. According to reports, the attack also hit sensitive installations in the Bait Shams area, including a building. The UAE Ministry of Defense released a detailed report on the Iranian attacks and their consequences.
