Protesters stage demonstrations against the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader near the US consulate in Peshawar
Protest demonstration held in front of the Peshawar Press Club on March 1, organized by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan, following the assassination of Khamenei. PHOTO: EXPRESS
GILGIT / PESHAWAR:
In response to the deteriorating law and order situation in Skardu, the Pakistan Army was deployed in Skardu under Article 245 of the Constitution.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan Police, this deployment aims to provide military support to civil authorities to restore law and order and ensure protection of public and private properties.
Violent protests broke out in Skardu on Sunday when enraged demonstrators reportedly 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 quickly turned violent with crowds attacking and burning several 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 burned was the United Nations regional sub-office. Additionally, the Military Public School, Police Commissioner’s Office, Software Technology Park and the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) building were also attacked during the unrest. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
In Gilgit, protesters set fire to the UN Military Observer Group and UNDP sub-offices.
Security forces were seen patrolling key areas of the city, while efforts are underway to disperse remaining protesters and secure sensitive facilities. Authorities have not yet confirmed reports of casualties.
The situation remains tense and residents have been urged to stay at home while authorities work to bring the unrest under control.
Read: New strikes against Iran after US, Israeli attack killing Supreme Leader Khamenei
As in other major cities in 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 took place in front of the Peshawar Press Club, organized by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan. A large number of protesters, including women and children, took part in the demonstration, holding banners and placards in support of Iran and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.
Protest demonstration held in front of the Peshawar Press Club on March 1, organized by Majlis-e-Islamiya Pakistan, following the assassination of Khamenei. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Speakers at the protest described Khamenei’s martyrdom as a continuation of Karbala and vowed to continue resistance against oppression. The protesters also criticized the role of some Muslim countries and demanded that the Pakistani government formally condemn the incident.
In the northern town of Skardu, located in the Shiite-majority Gilgit-Baltistan region and known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists, large numbers of protesters gathered outside the UN office and set the building on fire, according to Reuters.
Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir, however, said Reuters that no casualties had been reported.
Protests are also underway in Karachi, where at least 10 people were killed and several others injured after clashes broke out between police and protesters on MT Khan Road. The clashes took place as crowds marched towards the US consulate to protest Khamenei’s assassination.
Protests were also reported in Islamabad and Lahore. In the federal capital, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan announced a demonstration and a plan to encircle the American embassy. The authorities responded by sealing off the red zone and deploying additional personnel on all roads leading to it.
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Safety checks have also been stepped up, with every vehicle and motorcycle thoroughly inspected. Armored vehicles and additional forces were also deployed while Islamabad police urged citizens not to head towards the red zone.
Furthermore, the Islamabad district administration has imposed Section 144, under which all types of gatherings will be considered illegal.
The administration urged citizens not to participate in any rallies or assemblies, warning them of strict legal action in case of any protest, demonstration or gathering.
Also in Lahore, protests continued in front of the Press Club against the actions of Israel and the United States against Iran. Security at the US consulate has been increased with police units reinforcing the area.
Protesters began a sit-in after Zuhr prayers, holding signs bearing Khamenei’s image. Anti-American slogans were reportedly raised, while the Riot Force maintained a heavy security presence at the protest site.
Read also: Iranian Embassy in Pakistan condemns ‘barbaric’ murder of Khamenei
Meanwhile, Israel said it launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday, as Iranians faced uncertainty following Khamenei’s death in US and Israeli attacks that threatened to destabilize the entire Middle East.
The Israeli military said its strikes on Sunday morning targeted Iran’s ballistic missile and air defense systems, while on Saturday Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US troops in the region. The Islamic Republic has also targeted cities in Israel, as well as Arab countries allied with Washington.
