Protesters stage demonstrations against the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader near the US consulate in Peshawar
A protest demonstration held in front of the Peshawar Press Club on March 1, organized by the Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan, in the wake of Khamenei’s killing. PHOTO: EXPRESS
GILGIT/ PESHAWAR:
In response to the deteriorating law and order situation in Skardu, the Pakistan Army has been deployed in Skardu under Article 245 of the Constitution.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, the deployment is aimed at providing military support to civil authorities to restore order and ensure protection of public and private property.
Violent protests erupted in Skardu on Sunday, when angry protesters reportedly set fire to several public and private buildings during a demonstration against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to police, the protest initially began as a demonstration but quickly turned violent with mobs attacking and setting fire to several offices around the city. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from various locations as panic spread among residents and business owners.
In Skardu, among the buildings allegedly set on fire was the UN regional sub-office. In addition, the Army Public School, the office of the Superintendent of Police, the Software Technology Park and the building of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) were also attacked during the unrest. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
In Gilgit, protesters set fire to the UN Military Observer Group and UNDP sub-offices.
Security forces have been seen patrolling key areas of the city while efforts are underway to disperse remaining protesters and secure sensitive installations. Authorities have not yet confirmed reports of casualties.
The situation remains tense and residents have been advised to remain indoors while officials work to bring the unrest under control.
Read: More attacks targeting Iran after US, Israeli strikes kill Supreme Leader Khamenei
Like other major cities in Pakistan, protesters also staged demonstrations against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei near the US consulate in Peshawar, despite police efforts to keep them away from the mission.
A protest demonstration was held in front of Peshawar Press Club, organized by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan. A large number of protesters, including women and children, took part in the demonstration, carrying banners and placards in support of Iran and shouting slogans against Israel and the United States.
A protest demonstration held in front of the Peshawar Press Club on March 1, organized by the Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan, in the wake of Khamenei’s killing. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Speakers at the rally described Khamenei’s martyrdom as a continuation of Karbala and vowed to continue resistance to oppression. Protesters also criticized the role of certain Muslim countries and demanded that Pakistan’s government formally condemn the incident.
In the northern city of Skardu, located in the Shia-majority Gilgit-Baltistan region known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists, a large number of protesters gathered outside the United Nations office and burned down the building, according to Reuters.
A spokesman for local authorities, Shabbir Mir, however, said that Reuters that no injuries had been reported.
Protests are also underway in Karachi, where at least 10 people have been killed and several others injured following clashes between police and protesters on MT Khan Road. The clashes occurred as crowds marched on the US consulate in protest of Khamenei’s killing.
Protests have also been reported in Islamabad and Lahore. In the federal capital, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a protest and a planned siege of the US Embassy. Authorities responded by sealing off the red zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.
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Security checks have also been stepped up, with every vehicle and motorbike thoroughly inspected. Armored vehicles and extra forces have also been deployed, while Islamabad Police has urged citizens not to travel towards the red zone.
Furthermore, the Islamabad District Administration has introduced Section 144, according to which all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.
The administration has urged citizens not to participate in any assembly or gathering, warning of strict legal action in case of protests, demonstrations or gatherings.
Also in Lahore, protests have continued outside the Press Club against Israel and the US’s actions against Iran. Security at the US consulate has been tightened with police units reinforcing the area.
Protesters began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, carrying posters with Khamenei’s image. Anti-American slogans were reportedly raised while the Anti-Riot Force maintained a strong security presence at the protest site.
Read also: Iran’s embassy in Pakistan condemns ‘barbaric’ killing of Khamenei
Meanwhile, Israel said it had launched another wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday as Iranians faced uncertainty following Khamenei’s killing in US and Israeli strikes that threatened to destabilize the wider Middle East.
Israel’s military said its strike on Sunday morning targeted Iran’s ballistic missile and air defense systems, while Iran had launched retaliatory strikes on Saturday targeting US troops in the region. The Islamic Republic has also attacked cities in Israel, along with Arab countries allied with Washington.
