At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured after violent clashes erupted between police and demonstrators outside the US Consulate Karachi on Sunday, hospital and rescue officials confirmed.
The unrest broke out during a protest against recent US and Israeli strikes that, according to Iranian authorities, led to the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Officials from the Edhi Ambulance Service said that six bodies and 10 injured people were initially transported from MT Khan Road to Civil Hospital Karachi.
Later, the hospital’s trauma centre confirmed that a total of seven bodies and 18 injured individuals had been received.
Hospital authorities stated that the victims suffered injuries caused by gunfire, baton charges, and stampedes as the situation spiralled out of control.
According to police sources, protesters gathered outside the US Consulate attempted to march toward the high-security compound and began pelting stones.
Law enforcement responded with tear gas shelling and force to disperse the crowd, triggering intense clashes.
Rescue officials reported that the number of injured rose rapidly as violence escalated in the sensitive diplomatic zone.
Traffic Disruptions Across the Area
The protest caused severe traffic disruption in surrounding areas. Authorities closed the road from Sultanabad leading toward Mai Kolachi, resulting in heavy congestion.
Karachi traffic police said vehicles coming from Jinnah Bridge were diverted toward II Chundrigar Road, traffic from Boat Basin was turned back at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and vehicles approaching from PIDC were sent back to avoid the affected zone.
Government Response
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report on the incident from the Additional Inspector General of Police, Karachi.
In a statement, Lanjar warned that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their own hands and directed authorities to further tighten security at sensitive installations across Sindh.
Security agencies remain on high alert as officials continue to monitor the situation amid heightened regional tensions.
