By The South Asia Times

KARACHI / LAHORE - At least 10 people were reported dead after protesters stormed the US Consulate in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, with local sources alleging that a US Marine opened fire as demonstrators breached the compound’s outer barriers.

According to eyewitnesses and local officials, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the consulate on Sunday to protest the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US, Israel joint strikes on Iran. 

The crowd later crossed security perimeters and entered the premises, where clashes broke out. Local sources claimed that a Marine stationed at the facility fired at protesters, leaving at least 10 dead and dozens injured.

In the aftermath of the shooting, enraged demonstrators reportedly set fire to parts of the consulate’s outer structure. Thick smoke was seen rising from the compound as security forces rushed to the scene. The situation in Karachi remained tense late into the evening.

- Official statement

In a press release issued from Karachi, the Government of Sindh confirmed casualties but provided a different toll.

“The Government of Sindh expresses deep sorrow and regret over the loss of human lives during the clashes that occurred when protesters entered the American Consulate,” the statement said.

Provincial authorities said six people were killed and several others injured during the unrest. The statement added that protesters had crossed outer security barriers, entered the premises, and engaged in vandalism.

The Sindh government announced the formation of a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct an impartial review into all aspects of the incident. The JIT will examine the circumstances, causes, and responsibility for the violence.

The government reiterated that while citizens have the democratic and constitutional right to protest, vandalism and violence are unacceptable. Officials urged the public to express their views through peaceful and lawful means and said authorities were working to keep the situation under control.

- Protests spread to Lahore, Islamabad, UN office was set on fire 

Hours after the Karachi violence, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate in Lahore. According to local reports, demonstrators entered parts of the compound as police attempted to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The situation in Lahore remained volatile at the time of filing this report.

 In Skardu, northern Gilgit-Baltistan, protesters set fire to a UN office, prompting authorities to declare the region on "high alert."

In the capital, Islamabad, security forces blocked all roads leading to the Diplomatic Enclave, which houses foreign embassies, including the US Embassy. Demonstrators initially gathered outside the Serena Hotel Islamabad, staging a protest before attempting to march toward the embassy.

Police contained the crowd, but tensions escalated when some protesters tried to breach security barriers. Authorities responded by firing tear gas and aerial shots to disperse the demonstrators.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived at the scene, personally engaging with the crowd and urging restraint.

The unrest comes amid heightened tensions across the region following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Anger against the United States has intensified in several countries, particularly among segments of the Shia Muslim community who regard Khamenei as a religious authority.

Iran has warned that the United States would “pay the price” for recent actions, further fueling regional instability.

Authorities in Pakistan have increased security around diplomatic missions nationwide as fears grow that protests could expand in other cities. Investigations into the Karachi incident are ongoing.