Mass unrest has erupted across Pakistan following reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an attack organized by the United States and Israel. Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Dawn newspaper, reports that demonstrations have taken a particularly violent turn in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have declared a curfew in the city of Skardu. Protesters have reportedly attacked United Nations (UN) offices, set fire to educational institutions, and targeted police stations. Local police have urged the population to exercise restraint, emphasizing that the protection of state property is the responsibility of every citizen.
All foreign tourists in the region have been evacuated to safe areas. Strategic roads have been closed to traffic for security reasons, while shops, markets, and shopping centers have completely suspended operations.
The wave of protests has spread to other major cities in Pakistan. In Karachi, clashes broke out between security forces and a group attempting to attack the US consulate, resulting in 10 deaths and 32 injuries. Reports indicate that 2 people have died in the capital, Islamabad, and 12 others in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, with dozens more injured. The situation remains tense across many regions of the country.
The events come at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Pakistan, which shares a long border with Iran, has a significant Shia population that maintains close religious and cultural ties with the Islamic Republic. Historically, incidents involving high-ranking Iranian officials have triggered swift reactions within Pakistan's socio-political landscape. This unrest follows recent shifts in regional dynamics under the administration of US President Donald Trump, whose foreign policy continues to influence the Middle East and South Asia.
