Death toll from Pakistan protests over Iran supreme leader’s killing rises to 25

The death toll from violent protests across Pakistan following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes has risen to 25, officials said on Monday, as authorities tightened security and deployed troops in several areas.

Demonstrations broke out in multiple cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, while northern Gilgit-Baltistan saw the deadliest clashes on Sunday, prompting arrests and putting major urban centers on high alert.

In Gilgit and Skardu, authorities imposed a night-time curfew through Wednesday and called in the army to restore order as violence escalated in recent days.

Gilgit recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 13 people killed and at least 12 injured, according to local officials. Victims were reported from Bagrot Valley, Astore, Hunza, Jutial and Naltar Valley. A senior regional official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed six deaths in Skardu and seven in Gilgit district, with more than 10 others wounded.

Government spokesperson Shabir Mir said the curfew remains in force in both districts, with the army deployed to maintain order. Authorities have allowed a daily four-hour relaxation from noon to 4 p.m. for essential activities during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Protests or public gatherings are not permitted, but residents may attend essential work during the relaxation period,” Mir told Nukta. Mobile phone services have also been restored during the same window. “After 4:00 pm, the curfew will be reimposed and no one will be allowed to leave their homes,” he added.

Mir emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, damage to public or government property will not be tolerated. “Anyone taking the law into their own hands will face strict action,” he warned. He added that there were no reports of tourists stranded, noting that most visitors were in Hunza Valley and could leave during the curfew relaxation period.

In Karachi, clashes near the U.S. Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road left ten people dead and at least 48 injured, hospital officials said. Hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the compound following reports of Khamenei’s assassination. Witnesses said demonstrators climbed the main gate, entered the driveway, and smashed windows before police dispersed the crowd with tear gas. Social media videos showed property damage, though the American flag remained flying above the compound.

Several arrests were made after protest organizers called on remaining demonstrators to regroup at Numaish Chowrangi for funeral prayers for those killed.

Islamabad unrest

In the capital, three protesters were killed and at least 30 injured as demonstrations turned violent, hospital officials said. Nine injured were taken to Polyclinic Hospital and eight to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). One of the injured, Ali Raza, son of Muhammad Hassan, later died at PIMS.

Five security personnel were also injured, including three Islamabad police officers and two Pakistan Rangers staff. Authorities have deployed additional forces in the capital and warned of strict action against those involved in violence.

Separately, the embassies of the United States and Britain advised their citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.

With additional input from AFP