Karachi, Mar 01 (V7N) – At least nine people were killed and 32 others injured in clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers near the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, according to local media reports.

Pakistan’s daily Dawn reported that the violence erupted during a protest on Mai Kolachi Road, where the US Consulate is located.

The Executive Director of the Trauma Center at Civil Hospital Karachi confirmed the casualties. Dr. Mohammad Sabir Memon said that nine men lost their lives and 32 others were injured in the incident. According to hospital sources, all the victims were either killed or wounded by bullets.

However, the government has claimed that six people were killed in the clash.

Protest Over Khamenei’s Death

The protest was reportedly organized to condemn the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack. Tensions escalated when demonstrators gathered near the diplomatic mission.

Government Response

In an official statement shared by Information Minister’s spokesman Hussain Mansoor, the Sindh government expressed “deep grief” over the loss of life.

The provincial government has formed a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct an impartial inquiry into all aspects of the incident. The JIT will examine the background, causes and circumstances of the clash and determine responsibility.

The statement emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, maintaining public order is a shared responsibility. The government warned against vandalism, violence or taking the law into one’s own hands and urged citizens to express their views in a peaceful and lawful manner.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation in the area.

END/SMA/AJ