At least 23 people lost their lives and more than a hundred others sustained injuries on Sunday during widespread protests in Pakistan. The demonstrations erupted after news of the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spread among the population. Outraged protesters took to the streets, some of whom attempted to attack US diplomatic facilities.
The most tragic clashes took place in the port city of Karachi, where ten demonstrators were killed. According to available information, security guards of the US consulate opened fire after protesters broke through the outer security wall of the compound.
Eleven more casualties were reported in the northern town of Skardu. An angry mob set fire to the United Nations office there, leading to violent clashes and chaos in the streets. Two people also died in the capital Islamabad, Reuters reported.
In Karachi, hundreds of pro-Iranian demonstrators attempted to infiltrate the US consulate compound, resulting in fierce clashes with police and security forces. The situation remains tense in several parts of the country and the authorities have stepped up security measures.