KARACHI: At least nine bodies were brought to Civil Hospital following violent clashes during a protest outside the United States Consulate, hospital officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to the hospital’s report, a total of 45 individuals were shifted to Civil Hospital amid the unrest. Of them, 36 sustained injuries, primarily from gunfire, and were admitted for treatment at the trauma centre.
The deceased were identified as Kazim, Mubarak, Kazim Abbas, Adeel, Sajid Ali, Khawar Abbas, Muhammad Ali, and one unidentified individual. Hospital authorities stated that both the injured and those who lost their lives were between 18 and 50 years old and had suffered bullet wounds.
Earlier reports had indicated eight fatalities and multiple injuries after demonstrations broke out near the consulate in Karachi. The protest reportedly erupted following circulating reports about the alleged assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike on Iran.
Witnesses said a large crowd gathered outside the consulate, chanting slogans and attempting to advance toward the premises. Law enforcement personnel responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the protesters. Tensions intensified when some demonstrators reportedly breached the main gate and entered the outer compound of the consulate, leading to further chaos.
