KARACHI: At least 10 people were killed and 36 others injured during violent protests outside the US consulate following reports of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials and hospital authorities said on Sunday. Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Police and eyewitnesses said that reports about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s martyrdom prompted a large protest outside the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road. Demonstrators chanted slogans as they expressed grief and anger over the demise of the Iranian leader. The situation turned tense when a section of the crowd attempted to move towards the consulate building. Police used teargas and batons to disperse the demonstrators; however, the situation escalated further when protesters allegedly broke the consulate gate, entered the premises, vandalised property and set parts of the area on fire. Firing was reported near the American consulate on Mai Kolachi Road, resulting in multiple casualties. Hospital officials said eight bodies were initially brought to the Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) Trauma Centre, while several injured were admitted with gunshot wounds, injuries from baton charge and injuries sustained during the ensuing stampede. Later, the death toll rose to 10. According to Director Trauma Centre Dr Sabir Memon, a total of 45 people were brought to Civil Hospital, including nine dead on arrival, while one injured person succumbed during treatment. He said 36 injured persons were admitted, of whom four to six were in critical condition and undergoing surgery. Hospital sources confirmed that all the deceased and injured had sustained firearm injuries. READ ALSO: 9 killed, over 12 injured in clash outside US Consulate in Karachi The deceased were identified as Ali son of Akhtar (18), Kazim (23), Adeel son of Hanif (25), Mubarak (26), Sajid son of Ali Muhammad (28), Khawar Abbas (20), Abbas (25) and Muhammad Ali (19), while two bodies remain unidentified. The ages of the victims ranged between 18 and 50 years. During the unrest, protesters also set fire to a traffic police post under the Sultanabad Bridge. Tensions were also reported in other parts of the megacity, including Numaish Chowrangi, Abbas Town and Tower, where groups of protesters gathered and chanted slogans. Speaking to the media, DIG East Dr Farrukh Ali said that protesters outside the US consulate had been dispersed and the situation was now under control. He stated that no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands and warned of strict action against those disturbing peace. He added that security at sensitive installations and red zones has been further tightened to prevent any untoward incident. Police and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed at various locations, while surveillance of sensitive areas continues. Eyewitnesses said an emergency-like situation prevailed around the consulate area, with reports of stone-pelting and gunfire. Meanwhile, police expressed lack of clarity regarding the firing that caused the deaths. Police sources said that the security personnel deployed on duty did not open fire on protesters. “It is not yet known from where the firing took place or who opened fire,” officials said, adding that the US consulate also has private security personnel on duty. The protest also severely disrupted traffic in Karachi’s key commercial and diplomatic zone. Traffic police said the road from Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi was closed in both directions, suspending vehicular movement. Alternative routes were announced: traffic from Jinnah Bridge was diverted towards I I Chundrigar Road, vehicles from Boat Basin were turned back via Mai Kolachi Crossing U-turn, and traffic from PIDC was redirected back from Park Cut. Citizens were advised to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. In view of the prevailing security situation, Pakistan Rangers Sindh deployed a large number of mobile vigilance teams across Karachi. A Rangers spokesperson said teams were conducting continuous patrolling and monitoring at important locations, sensitive installations and main arteries to prevent any untoward incident. The spokesperson warned against violence, vandalism and lawlessness during protests, stating that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Meanwhile, according to a statement by the Edhi rescue service, law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton charges to control the situation at the US Consulate in Karachi. However, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic events reported from Iran and stated that the people of Sindh stand united with Iran and all bereaved families during this difficult time. He also expressed profound grief over the unfortunate incident near the US Consulate in Karachi, which reportedly resulted in the loss of innocent lives. He instructed the authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts. Emphasising the sensitive situation in the country, the chief minister said Pakistan faces a challenging and tense environment, and any attempt to disrupt peace and order would be unacceptable. “This is a time that demands restraint and responsibility. The government will not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands,” In this regard, the chief minister contacted prominent religious leaders, including Allama Shehanshah Naqvi and Allama Shabbir Meesami, asking them to help keep public emotions calm and guide people towards patience and peace. The religious leaders assured the chief minister that gatherings and religious events would be held peacefully and in an orderly manner. Based on this assurance, he directed the administration and police to ensure full security arrangements. The chief minister also called upon scholars and members of all schools of thought to promote harmony and unity, emphasising that maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility. He instructed law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and maintain peace throughout the megacity. “The safety of the public is our foremost responsibility,” the chief minister said, urging citizens to cooperate with the government in upholding law and order. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026