Army deployed in Skardu after violent protests; UN office, other buildings torched

Protesters stage demonstrations against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader near the US Consulate in Peshawar

GILGIT/ PESHAWAR:

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation in Skardu, the Pakistan Army has been deployed in Skardu under Article 245 of the Constitution.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, the deployment aims to provide military support to civil authorities to restore order and ensure the protection of public and private property.

Violent protests erupted in Skardu on Sunday as enraged demonstrators allegedly set fire to several public and private buildings during a rally against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to police the protest initially began as a demonstration but soon turned violent with mobs attacking and torching multiple offices across the city. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from different locations, while panic spread among residents and business owners.

In Skardu among the buildings reportedly set ablaze was the regional sub-office of the United Nations. In addition, the Army Public School, the office of the Superintendent of Police, the Software Technology Park, and the building of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) were also attacked during the unrest. The extent of damage is still being assessed.

In Gilgit, protesters set fire to the UN Military Observer  Group and UNDP sub offices.

Security forces have been seen patrolling key areas of the city, while efforts are underway to disperse remaining protesters and secure sensitive installations. Authorities have not yet confirmed reports of casualties.

The situation remains tense, and residents have been advised to remain indoors as officials work to bring the unrest under control. 

Read: More strikes aimed at Iran after US, Israeli assault kills supreme leader Khamenei

Like other major cities of Pakistan, protesters also staged demonstrations against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei near the US Consulate in Peshawar despite police efforts to keep them away from the mission.

A protest demonstration was held in front of the Peshawar Press Club, organised by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan. A large number of protesters, including women and children, participated in the demonstration, carrying banners and placards in support of Iran and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.

A protest demonstration held in front of the Peshawar Press Club on March 1, organised by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan, in the wake of Khamenei's killing. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Speakers at the demonstration described the martyrdom of Khamenei as a continuation of Karbala, and vowed to continue resistance against oppression. Protesters also criticised the role of certain Muslim countries and demanded that the Government of Pakistan formally condemn the incident.

In the northern city of Skardu, located in the Shia-majority Gilgit-Baltistan region known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists, a large number of protesters gathered outside the UN office and burned down the building, according to Reuters.

Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir, however, told Reuters that no casualties had been reported.

Protests are also ongoing in Karachi, where at least 10 people have been killed and several others injured after clashes broke out between police and protesters on MT Khan Road. The clashes occurred as crowds marched towards the US Consulate in protest of Khamenei's killing.

Protests have also been reported in Islamabad and Lahore. In the federal capital, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a protest and a planned encirclement of the US Embassy. Authorities responded by sealing the Red Zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.

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Security checkpoints have also been intensified, with every vehicle and motorcycle being thoroughly inspected. Armoured vehicles and extra forces have also been deployed while Islamabad Police have urged citizens not to travel towards the Red Zone.

Further, the Islamabad District Administration has imposed Section 144, under which all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.

The administration has urged citizens not to participate in any gatherings or assemblies, warning of strict legal action in the event of any protest, demonstration, or gathering.

In Lahore, too, protests have continued outside the Press Club against Israel and the United States’ actions against Iran. Security at the US Consulate has been tightened with police units reinforcing the area.

Protesters began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, carrying placards bearing Khamenei's image. Anti-US slogans were reportedly raised, while the Anti-Riot Force maintained a strong security presence at the protest site.

Also Read: Iran embassy in Pakistan condemns 'barbaric' killing of Khamenei

Meanwhile, Israel said it had launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday, as Iranians faced uncertainty after Khamenei's killing in US and Israeli attacks that threatened to destabilise the wider Middle East.

Israel's military said its strikes on Sunday morning targeted Iran’s ballistic missile and air defense systems, while, on Saturday, Iran had launched retaliatory strikes targeting US troops in the region. The Islamic Republic has also targeted cities in Israel, along with Arab countries allied with Washington.