At least 22 people were killed and more than 120 injured on Sunday during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan, according to reports. The unrest erupted as demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, the country’s southern port city, and also spread to the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
In Karachi, police and hospital officials confirmed that dozens of injured people were brought in for treatment, with some in critical condition. Meanwhile, in Gilgit-Baltistan, local police official Asghar Ali reported that 12 people died and more than 80 were wounded after clashes with security forces, during which protesters attacked offices linked to the United Nations and government institutions.
Government spokesperson Shabir Mir stated that U.N. staff were safe and that troops had been deployed to restore order. Security forces increased their presence in affected areas, and authorities indicated that the situation was gradually being brought under control.
Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, expressed “profound sorrow” over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and extended condolences to Iran in a statement from his office.
The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan also confirmed it was monitoring reports of demonstrations at its missions in Karachi and Lahore, as well as planned protests in Islamabad and Peshawar. The embassy urged citizens to remain cautious and follow local security advisories.
The clashes highlight growing regional tensions following foreign military actions and underline the challenges Pakistan faces in maintaining law and order during politically sensitive periods.
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