Protests erupt outside US Consulate in Lahore
Protests erupted outside the US Consulate on Shimla Pahari on Sunday following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike PHOTO: EXPRESS
Protests erupted outside the US Consulate on Shimla Hill in Lahore on Sunday following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike.
Rangers personnel were deployed alongside police to maintain order at the site.
Tensions escalated when additional barriers were placed near the NADRA office, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators. Protesters reportedly began removing the barriers, while security forces, including police and Rangers, remained on the scene.
The situation further worsened after Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi was subjected to a search, prompting anger among young protesters.
Under the leadership of Allama Syed Jawad Naqvi, a rally set off from Charing Cross towards the US Consulate, with hundreds of marchers participating. Authorities also positioned containers around the consulate to restrict movement. Throughout the demonstration, protesters continued chanting slogans against the United States and Israel.
Read: More strikes aimed at Iran after US, Israeli assault kills supreme leader Khamenei
Protests continued outside the Press Club, with security at the US Consulate tightened and fresh police units deployed to reinforce the area. Demonstrators began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, carrying placards bearing the image of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Anti-US slogans were reportedly raised, while the Anti-Riot Force maintained a strong security presence.
Meanwhile, absentia funeral prayers for Ayatollah Khamenei were held at Masjid Mansurah. The prayers were led by Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, a senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, with leaders and workers of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, including Deputy Ameer Liaqat Baloch, attending.
Speaking at the event, Liaqat Baloch said, "The United States and Israel had openly stated that they would target Iran’s leadership." He added that an attack on Iran is an attack on the Muslim Ummah. "It is time for the Muslim Ummah to unite."
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “I have directed the police and administration to understand the sentiments of the protesters and to treat them with dignity and respect. Arrangements are being made for iftar for the protesters.
میں نے پولیس اور انتظامیہ کو ہدایت کی ہے کہ مظاہرین کے احساسات کو سمجھا جائے اور ان کے ساتھ عزت و احترام کے ساتھ پیش آیا جائے۔ مظاہرین کے لیے افطار کا بندوبست کیا جا رہا ہے۔ ہر مسلمان اس وقت دکھی اور اشکبار ہے مگر اپنے ملک، اپنے شہروں میں امن و امان قائم رکھنا بھی ہم سب کا اولین…
“Every Muslim is grieving and tearful at this time, but maintaining peace and order in our country and our cities is also our foremost responsibility. Please uphold this duty. In this moment of sorrow, we stand united.”
Meanwhile, at least 10 people were killed and several injured after clashes broke out between police and protesters on MT Khan Road in Karachi as crowds marched towards the US Consulate, also in protest.
The rally set off from Abbas Town on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. Organisers and a large number of workers from Shia organisations also began gathering at Numaish Chowrangi.
Read more: At least 10 killed in Karachi clashes during march towards US Consulate after Khamenei strike
In Islamabad, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a protest and a planned encirclement of the US Embassy. Authorities have responded by sealing the Red Zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.
Security checkpoints have been intensified, with every vehicle and motorcycle being thoroughly inspected. Armoured vehicles and extra forces have also been deployed. The Islamabad Police urged citizens not to travel towards the Red Zone.
Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad, said the district administration. Under Section 144, all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.
The district administration urged citizens not to participate in any gatherings or assemblies. It warned that strict legal action will be taken in the event of any protest, demonstration, or gathering.
US-Iran conflict
The United States and Israel said an air strike killed Khamenei as part of what they described as the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades. Iranian state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader’s death on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said the air strikes on Iranian targets were aimed at ending a decades-long threat from Iran and ensuring it could not develop a nuclear weapon, as he sought to justify a risky move that appeared to go against his professed opposition to American involvement in complex overseas conflicts.
On Saturday, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in response to the initial attacks, targeting US troops in the region and cities in Israel and Arab countries allied with Washington, leading to widespread flight cancellations across the region.