Mass protests outside the US consulate in Karachi escalate; police deploy tear gas, but there is no verified evidence of snipers or US Marines firing on civilians
KARACHI: A large demonstration outside the United States Consulate General in Karachi turned chaotic Sunday after news spread that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in a reported foreign military action, prompting anger among some Pakistani groups.
Thousands of protesters gathered around the consulate on Mai Kolachi Road, chanting anti‑US slogans and attempting to breach the diplomatic compound. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges in efforts to disperse the crowd and maintain order. Roads near the area were shut down and significant traffic disruptions were reported.
Authorities have not confirmed reports of gunfire by U.S. forces or the killing of civilians at the scene. Local law enforcement and rescue services have only reported clashes and injuries from crowd control measures; no official casualty figures involving U.S. personnel firing on protesters have been substantiated by credible sources.
Police have urged calm and warned against spreading unverified information as the situation remains tense and evolving.

