Pakistan Erupts After Killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in U.S.–Israel Strike | Tirto Recap

Demonstrations broke out across several regions of Pakistan on Sunday (1/3) in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, following an airstrike by Israel and the United States (U.S.). At least 20 people were killed and dozens more injured nationwide during the protests, according to the latest report from Al Jazeera on Monday (2/3).

The highest number of casualties was reported in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi. Protests there were centered around the U.S. Embassy and Consulate offices on Mai Kolachi Road, where 10 people were reported dead.

Al Jazeera reported that a group of youths climbed the outer consulate building and smashed windows of the main structure. The crowd was later dispersed using tear gas and gunfire. However, it has not been confirmed whether the shots were fired by security forces.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described the incident as “deeply tragic” and ordered an impartial investigation.

“At a time when the country is facing a war-like situation, it is inappropriate to sabotage peace and order,” he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera on Monday.

Unrest also broke out at the UN office in Skardu, Pakistan. AFP reported that protesters set the building on fire during anti–U.S.–Israel demonstrations. Al Jazeera stated that at least eight people were killed in Skardu.

Authorities imposed a three-day curfew in Skardu, and officials described the situation as tense.

Two additional fatalities were reported in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. Other demonstrations also took place in Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad, with large crowds taking to the streets to condemn the U.S. and Israel and to mourn Khamenei’s death.

The protests in Pakistan were reportedly led largely by members of the Shiite Muslim community. Approximately 20 percent of Pakistan’s population is Shiite Muslim. Ali Nawab, a member of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen — a Shiite political party — alleged that provocateurs were involved in the unrest.

“There are some individuals you can see here who are deliberately trying to provoke actions and push us to do things we should not be doing. We are here for a purpose, and we will move forward when instructed,” he said.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on all parties to exercise restraint in responding to the U.S.–Israel actions against Iran. He emphasized that Pakistan mourns the death of Khamenei.

“After the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, every Pakistani citizen feels the same sadness as the Iranian people who are grieving,” he said Sunday, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

“We stand with you. We urge citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to protest peacefully,” Naqvi added.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the U.S.–Israel strike on Iran.

“It has long been an established convention that Heads of State or Government should not be targeted. We pray for the deceased. May Almighty Allah grant patience and strength to the people of Iran to