Pakistan: At least 12 killed in pro-Iran protest at US consulate in Karachi

At least 12 people were killed near the United States consulate in Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi after protests erupted following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to sources.Several others were injured when security forces opened fire to disperse hundreds of pro-Iran protesters who were attempting to storm the US consulate early on Sunday morning. The situation turned tense as demonstrators gathered in large numbers, raising slogans and trying to breach security barricades.
Large-scale protests were also reported in other parts of Pakistan amid anger over Khamenei’s reported killing in joint US–Israeli strikes.In the northern city of Skardu, located in the Shia-majority Gilgit-Baltistan region known for its Himalayan tourist destinations, protesters set fire to a United Nations office building.
“A large number of protesters have gathered outside the UN office in GB and burned down the building,” local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told media, adding that no casualties had been reported in the incident.In the central city of Lahore, hundreds of protesters assembled outside the US consulate, although there were no immediate reports of violence.“Some of the protesters tried to damage the security gate, hundreds of yards away from the consulate. However, police stopped them without use of force,” sources said.A demonstration is also expected near the diplomatic enclave housing the US embassy in the capital, Islamabad, later on Sunday afternoon.