Sindh home minister seeks report, orders tighter security; says that no one must take the law into their own hands
Clashes broke out between police and protesters on MAJ Khan Road in Karachi as demonstrators marched towards the US consulate in demonstrations against the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei PHOTO: EXPRESS
KARACHI:
At least six people were killed and several injured on Sunday after clashes between police and protesters on MT Khan Road as crowds marched towards the US consulate following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.
Edhi Information confirmed that six people have been killed and several injured near Mai Kolachi Road during the fire and unrest. They were transferred to the Civil Hospital’s Trauma Center.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Langar has 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 increased security at sensitive installations. He added that alternative routes should be established to maintain traffic flow during the protests.
“Law enforcement agencies are on full alert and are closely monitoring the situation,” the minister added.
The minister concluded that action will be taken against those who disturb law and order in accordance with the law.
Shia organizations had announced a march on the US consulate in Karachi in protest against the Ayatollah’s death and expressed their intention to march against the mission.
Edhi Information confirmed that several injured were shifted to Civil Hospital following reports of gunfire. A heavy police force remained deployed on MT Khan Road.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded by throwing stones, according to reports.
The rally started from Abbas Town on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. Organizers and a large number of workers from Shia organizations also started gathering at Numaish Chowrangi.
Attendees, including organizers and supporters of Shia groups, were seen moving towards the US consulate as the rally continued.
Read: More attacks targeting Iran after US, Israeli strikes kill Supreme Leader Khamenei
Traffic police said routes leading to Numaish Chowrangi had been closed and alternative routes were being given to motorists.
Angry protesters also set fire to the traffic police post in Sultanabad.
The United States and Israel said an airstrike killed Khamenei as part of what they described as the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades. Iranian state media confirmed the death of the 86-year-old leader on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said the airstrikes 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 stated opposition to US involvement in complex overseas conflicts.
On Saturday, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones in response to the initial strikes, targeting US troops in the region and cities in Israel and Arab countries allied with Washington, prompting widespread flight cancellations across the region.
