Edhi Welfare Organisation’s information wing confirmed that nine people have been killed and several injured near Mai Kolachi Road during the firing and unrest. They were transferred to the Civil Hospital Trauma Center.
32 injured have been brought in and are receiving medical treatment, authorities at the Trauma Centre said. The identification of the bodies is currently underway, they added.
Among the deceased are 26-year-old Mubarak and 28-year-old Sajid Ali, according to rescue officials.
According to an official statement by the Sindh government, demonstrators breached the external security perimeter of the consulate, entered the premises, and caused damage.
The Sindh government has formed a high-level joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct an impartial review of the events. The statement by the Sindh government stated, “The JIT will determine under what circumstances the incident occurred, what its causes were, and who is responsible.”
The statement added that the government respects the democratic and constitutional right of citizens to protest; however, maintaining a peaceful environment is our shared responsibility. “Any form of vandalism, violence, or taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable.”
The statement said that citizens are urged to express their feelings only peacefully and lawfully.
“Under no circumstances should the law be taken into their own hands.”
Sindh Minister for Interior Ziaul Hasan Langar requested immediate details from the Additional IG Karachi, stressing that, “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”
He called for enhanced security at sensitive installations. He added that alternative routes should be determined to maintain traffic flow during the protests.
“Law enforcement agencies are fully alert and monitoring the situation closely,” the minister added.
The minister concluded that action will be taken against those disrupting law and order in accordance with the law.
Shia organisations had announced a march towards the US Consulate in Karachi in protest of the Ayatollah’s death and voiced their intention to march towards the mission.
Edhi Information confirmed that several injured were shifted to Civil Hospital after reports of firing. A heavy police contingent remained deployed on MT Khan Road.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded with stone-throwing, according to reports.
The rally set off from Abbas Town on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. Organisers and a large number of workers from Shia organisations also began gathering at Numaish Chowrangi.
Participants, including organisers and supporters of Shia groups, were seen moving towards the US Consulate as the gathering continued.
Read: More strikes aimed at Iran after US, Israeli assault kills supreme leader Khamenei
Traffic police said routes leading to Numaish Chowrangi had been closed and alternative routes were being provided to motorists.
Angry protesters also set the traffic police post in Sultanabad on fire.
Protests spread
Protests have also been reported in Islamabad and Lahore on Sunday following the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei.
In Islamabad, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a protest and a planned encirclement of the US Embassy. Authorities have responded by sealing the Red Zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.
Security checkpoints have been intensified, with every vehicle and motorcycle being thoroughly inspected. Armoured vehicles and extra forces have also been deployed. The Islamabad Police urged citizens not to travel towards the Red Zone.
Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad, said the district administration. Under Section 144, all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.
The district administration urged citizens not to participate in any gatherings or assemblies. It warned that strict legal action will be taken in the event of any protest, demonstration, or gathering.
In Lahore, protests have continued outside the Press Club against Israel and the United States’ actions against Iran. Security at the US Consulate has been tightened, and fresh police units have arrived to reinforce the area.
Protesters began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, carrying placards bearing the image of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Anti-US slogans were reportedly raised, while the Anti-Riot Force maintained a strong security presence at the protest site.
US-Iran conflict
The United States and Israel said an air strike killed Khamenei as part of what they described as the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades. Iranian state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said the air strikes on Iranian targets were aimed at ending a decades-long threat from Iran and ensuring it could not develop a nuclear weapon, as he sought to justify a risky move that appeared to go against his professed opposition to American involvement in complex overseas conflicts.
On Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in response to the initial attacks, targeting US troops in the region and cities in Israel and Arab countries allied with Washington, leading to widespread flight cancellations across the region.
With input from our correspondents in Islamabad and Lahore