Normalcy returns to Karachi after deadly protests outside US consulate leave 10 dead

Life in Karachi largely returned to normal on Monday, a day after at least 10 protesters were killed in clashes outside the United States consulate following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Traffic remained lighter than usual during morning hours due to the closure of several educational institutions, while all routes leading to the US consulate stayed sealed for security reasons.

Authorities said business centres, offices, industrial zones and other public and semi-public institutions resumed normal operations after tensions gripped the city a day earlier. With the University of Karachi and several public and private universities, colleges and schools closed, traffic volumes remained below normal despite smooth flow on major arteries, including MA Jinnah Road.

According to traffic police, multiple routes remained blocked. The road from PIDC Chowk to MT Khan Road towards Sultanabad was closed using containers, while the route from PIDC Chowk to Ziauddin Road leading to the Chief Minister House was also shut. Authorities also blocked the road from Tower to Mai Kolachi and the route from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi with barriers in place.

The Sharea Faisal track from FTC to Metropole remained closed for a second consecutive day, with traffic diverted at Gora Qabristan through a U-turn towards Saddar. Officials said the closures were imposed due to security concerns amid fears of further protests.

University closures

A notification issued by University of Karachi Registrar Imran Ahmed Siddiqui said teaching activities would remain suspended on March 2, while examinations scheduled for the day were postponed, with new dates to be announced later.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi said two University of Karachi students were among those killed in the recent incidents.

Meanwhile, the university’s Teachers’ Association strongly condemned recent attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, which it said killed more than 200 civilians, including Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Read: Khamenei assassination: At least 23 killed as protests turn deadly across Pakistan

“The loss of innocent lives is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” the association said in a statement.

The association said the deaths of two university students during protests outside the American consulate, allegedly due to security forces’ firing, had left the academic community in “deep shock and grief.” It expressed condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for stability in the country and unity within the Muslim world.

Separately, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology announced it would remain closed on Monday due to the prevailing situation in Karachi.

Deadly protests

The protests erupted on Sunday after confirmation that Khamenei had been assassinated in a joint US-Israeli strike a day earlier. Demonstrations were called by various organisations across the city.

Protesters gathered outside the US consulate chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!” Reuters reporters heard gunfire and saw tear gas fired in the surrounding streets. Demonstrators set a vehicle ablaze outside the main gate and clashed with police after attempting to force their way into the compound.

Authorities said protesters vandalised property, torched a traffic police post and set multiple motorcycles on fire.

Police responded with tear gas and firing as stone-pelting intensified, calling reinforcements from across the city.

Police Surgeon Dr Sameeya Tariq confirmed that 10 people were killed and 96 injured in the violence. Eight bodies were brought dead to hospital, while two others died during treatment.

She said five police personnel and three other individuals were injured during the unrest, and an emergency was imposed at all hospitals.

According to a police statement citing medico-legal reports, four injured people suffered wounds from stone pelting or baton strikes, while 26 sustained bullet injuries.

Violence continued intermittently until evening, causing severe traffic disruption across Karachi. Sindh Rangers deployed mobile vigilance teams and warned that vandalism and violent protests would invite strict legal action.

With Additional Reporting by Safdar Rizvi