By The South Asia Times

KARACHI / LAHORE / ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's opposition claimed that at least 22 of its workers were killed in deadly protests across the country after clashes with police; however, officials confirmed 10 deaths in Karachi following unrest over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US consulate in Karachi on Sunday to protest the US-Israel strikes on Iran.

The crowd later breached outer security barriers and entered parts of the compound, where clashes erupted. Local sources alleged that a US Marine stationed at the facility opened fire when protesters advanced further inside, resulting in multiple casualties.

In the aftermath, sections of the consulate’s outer structure were set ablaze, with thick smoke seen rising from the compound. Security forces later secured the area, but tensions in Karachi remained high into the night.

- Official response and investigation

In a statement, the Government of Sindh confirmed 10 deaths and several injuries during the unrest, offering a toll that differs from some opposition claims circulating on social media. Provincial authorities said protesters had crossed security perimeters and engaged in vandalism.

The Sindh government announced the formation of a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the use of force.

Officials reiterated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, violence and attacks on diplomatic premises are unacceptable.

- Opposition leader alleges higher toll

Meanwhile, Allama Raja Nasir, opposition leader in the Senate and a prominent Shia figure, strongly condemned what he described as a “brutal repression” of protests nationwide.

In a post on X, he claimed that 18 people were killed in Karachi and dozens injured, while additional four fatalities occurred in Islamabad, Skardu and Gilgit.

He also alleged that personnel of the United States Marine Corps fired live ammunition at unarmed demonstrators in Karachi and accused local law enforcement in other cities of using excessive force.

He called for an immediate and transparent inquiry and demanded accountability for those responsible for ordering or carrying out lethal force.

Authorities have not confirmed the higher casualty figures cited by the senator.

- Protests spread to Lahore, Islamabad, Skardu

Hours after the Karachi violence, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate in Lahore, where clashes with police were reported. The situation remained volatile at the time of filing this report.

In Skardu, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, demonstrators set fire to a UN office, prompting authorities to place the area on high alert.

In Islamabad, security forces sealed roads leading to the Diplomatic Enclave, which houses foreign embassies, including the Embassy of the United States, Islamabad. Protesters initially gathered outside the Serena Hotel Islamabad before attempting to march toward the enclave.

Police used tear gas and aerial firing to disperse crowds after some protesters tried to breach barriers. A police check post near the Foreign Ministry was also set on fire amid the unrest.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived at the scene and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful, engaging directly with protest leaders as negotiations continued.

- US Embassy advisory

The US Embassy Islamabad said it was monitoring reports of demonstrations at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for protests at the embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. The mission advised US citizens in Pakistan to avoid large crowds, monitor local news, and maintain heightened personal security awareness.

- Rising regional tensions

The unrest comes amid heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Khamenei. Anger against the United States has intensified in parts of the Muslim world, particularly among segments of the Shia community who regard him as a religious authority.

Iran has warned that Washington would “pay the price” for recent actions, further fueling fears of broader instability.

Pakistani authorities have increased security around diplomatic missions nationwide as investigations into the Karachi incident continue and concerns grow that protests may spread to additional cities.