9 killed in clash outside US Consulate in Pakistan

At least nine people were killed and more than 20 others injured on Sunday as protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, reported Xinhua, quoting officials.

The clashes erupted when demonstrators tried to enter the consulate premises on Mai Kolachi Road in Karachi, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, many in critical condition, spokesperson Hassan Ul Haseeb told Xinhua.

Who opened fire was uncertain at the moment, the spokesperson added, saying most of the injured sustained bullet wounds.

Thirty people were brought to Karachi's Civil Hospital, six of whom were declared dead on arrival. Three others later succumbed to their injuries, a hospital official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He ordered authorities to conduct an impartial investigation.

The chief minister instructed police and administration to provide full security for gatherings and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi termed the day as one of mourning for the Muslim world, Iran and Pakistan, urging citizens to remain peaceful.

"We stand with you. Please do not take the law into your own hands and record your protest in a peaceful manner," he said.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad said it was monitoring demonstrations at consulates in Karachi and Lahore, as well as potential protests at the embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar. It advised U.S. citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds, and ensure STEP registration is up to date.

The protests follow the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Saturday's coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

In Lahore, hundreds of activists gathered outside the U.S. Consulate, with police enforcing security measures. In Islamabad, authorities imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings, and warned of strict legal action against violators.

Meanwhile, at least three protesters were killed and 56 others, including law enforcers, were injured in clashes with police during an anti-U.S. demonstration in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Sunday, police sources said.

Around 4,000 protesters attempted to march towards the heavily guarded diplomatic enclave, which houses the U.S. embassy, prompting police to open fire to disperse the crowd, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The protesters said that they protested in front of the embassy to express their anger against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday in Tehran.

Following the shelling, protesters dispersed to nearby areas, and the injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Police also detained several demonstrators.

According to the sources, the situation is currently under control, with police restoring order while army personnel have been deployed at the entry points of the diplomatic enclave to maintain security.

"However, the protest is not completely over, and demonstrators remain in nearby areas and could regroup in an attempt to approach the embassy again," the sources added.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has issued a notification banning protests in the city, warning that violators will face legal action.