9 killed, over 12 injured in clash outside US Consulate in Karachi

At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Mai Kolachi Road, rescue officials said.

The confrontation began when demonstrators attempted to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh.

The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb told Business Recorder, adding that 10 protesters were in critical condition.

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In a separate statement, the Edhi rescue service said law enforcement personnel used teargas shelling and baton charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a report from police authorities and directed that security at sensitive installations be further tightened.

“No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands,” Lanjar said, warning that strict action would be taken against elements disturbing law and order. Authorities said investigations into the incident were underway.

Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the consulate incident and directed authorities to conduct an impartial investigation. He said maintaining law and order was essential, particularly at a time when the country was facing a tense situation.

The chief minister contacted religious leaders, including Allama Shehenshah Naqvi and Allama Shabbir Maysami, urging them to help keep public sentiments under control and maintain peace. He instructed the administration and police to provide full security for religious gatherings and ensure protection of lives and property.

“Government cannot allow anyone to take the law into their hands,” Shah said, calling on people from all schools of thought to promote peace.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also termed the day as one of mourning for the Muslim world, Iran and Pakistan, and urged citizens to remain peaceful. “We stand with you. Please do not take the law into your own hands and peacefully record your protest,” he said.

According to Reuters, its reporters heard sounds of gunfire and saw tear gas being fired in streets around the compound. Video footage showed protesters holding pictures of Khamenei and chanting “Death to America” before the clashes erupted.

Large protests also occurred in other parts of Pakistan.

Protesters set fire to a United Nations office building in the northern city of Skardu, in the normally peaceful Shi’ite-majority Gilgit Baltistan region known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists.

“A large number of protesters have gathered outside the UN office in GB and burned down the building,” local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters, adding no casualties had been reported.

Earlier in the day in the central city of Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the U.S. consulate. There were some small-scale clashes with police but no 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,” Aqeel Raza, an eyewitness, told Reuters.

In the capital Islamabad, all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions and parliament, were blocked to traffic, police said.

Western diplomatic missions in Pakistan have stepped up security protocols, according to diplomatic sources, restricting staff movement across the country as tensions flare.

Several multinational companies operating in Pakistan are also reviewing the situation, corporate sources said, discussing measures including limiting air travel and enhancing security around offices and factory sites.