Section 144 Imposed in Islamabad; 10 Dead in Karachi Near US Consulate; US Embassy Confirms Monitoring of Protests

Islamabad / Karachi / Lahore — Pakistan plunged into widespread unrest on Sunday as protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei turned violent, prompting emergency security measures across the country.
District Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon announced the imposition of Section 144, declaring all public gatherings unlawful and warning citizens of strict legal action against violators. Authorities sealed the Red Zone, deployed armoured vehicles, and intensified security checkpoints on all roads leading to the diplomatic enclave — a response triggered by Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan’s announced plan to march on and encircle the US Embassy. 
Karachi: Deadly clashes erupt near US Consulate
Ten people were killed and 31 injured in Karachi after clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement on Mai Kolachi Road as demonstrators marched toward the US Consulate. The executive director of Civil Hospital Karachi’s trauma centre confirmed all fatalities and injuries resulted from gunshot wounds.Protesters smashed windows and doors at the consulate in an attempt to take over the building, breaching the perimeter, but not the actual structure, before security forces intervened. The Sindh government has formed a high-level Joint Investigation Team to conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident.
Lahore: Tense but controlled
In Lahore, around 1,000 protesters gathered outside the US Consulate at Shimla Hill, accompanied by women and children. Police erected barriers to secure the main gate. Some protesters attempted to damage a security gate, but police managed to stop them without the use of force. 
US Embassy issues alert
The US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed it was “monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations” at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. American citizens in Pakistan were advised to avoid large crowds, stay aware of their surroundings, and ensure their STEP enrollment is up to date. 
Protests also spread to Gilgit-Baltistan, where curfew was imposed in Skardu district and demonstrators blocked the Karakoram Highway at multiple locations in Hunza, Nagar, and Gilgit.