Pakistan Reels from Deadly Protests Following Khamenei’s Killing
Across Pakistan, a wave of unrest erupted on Sunday following the confirmation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel. At least 22 people have died and over 120 have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces, highlighting the deep emotional connection many Pakistanis feel towards Iran and its leadership.
Karachi: A Focal Point of Violence
The most severe violence unfolded in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, where demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. According to police surgeon Summaiya Syed, at least 10 people were killed and 60 wounded in the ensuing clashes. Protesters breached the consulate’s outer gate, damaging property before being dispersed with tear gas and gunfire. The origin of the gunfire remains unclear.
Escalation in the North: Attacks on UN Offices
The unrest wasn’t limited to southern Pakistan. In the Gilgit-Baltistan region, protesters attacked offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, resulting in at least 12 deaths and over 80 injuries. Other buildings, including a school, were also damaged. The government confirmed all staff working for the UN organizations were safe.
Islamabad: Protests and Calls for Retribution
Thousands gathered near Islamabad’s Red Zone, chanting slogans against the U.S. And Israel and calling for revenge. Protesters, including women and children, held placards bearing Khamenei’s image. One protester, Syed Nayab Zehra, expressed a sense of abandonment by the Pakistani government, stating a determination to stand up for their community regardless.
Government Response and Condemnation
Pakistan’s government has condemned the U.S.-Israel military attack on Iran, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar calling for an immediate halt to escalation through diplomacy. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appealed for restraint, acknowledging the grief felt by Pakistani citizens. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over Khamenei’s death and voiced concern over the violation of international norms regarding attacks on heads of state.
Historical Precedent: The 1979 US Embassy Attack
Sunday’s violence echoes a dark chapter in Pakistan-U.S. Relations: the 1979 storming and burning of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. That attack, fueled by false rumors about U.S. And Israeli involvement in the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, resulted in the deaths of two Americans and two Pakistani staff members.
The Shia Factor: A Community in Mourning
The protests were largely led by members of Pakistan’s Shia Muslim community, who comprise over 20 percent of the country’s population. The death of Khamenei, a prominent figure in the Shia world, resonated deeply within this community, fueling the demonstrations and calls for retribution.
Pakistan’s Delicate Position
Pakistan shares a 900km border with Iran and maintains trade and energy ties with its neighbor. It does not recognize Israel and has historically supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This complex geopolitical landscape adds another layer to the current crisis.
Did you know?
Pakistan and Iran have historically maintained close, albeit sometimes strained, relations, rooted in shared religious and cultural ties.
FAQ
Q: What prompted the protests in Pakistan?
A: The protests were triggered by the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israel military operation.
Q: Which cities in Pakistan saw the most significant protests?
A: Karachi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad experienced the most widespread and violent protests.
Q: What is Pakistan’s official stance on the killing of Khamenei?
A: Pakistan’s government has condemned the attack and called for de-escalation through diplomacy.
Pro Tip
Stay informed about the evolving situation by following reputable news sources and official government statements.
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