Protests over Khamenei’s death intensify in Gilgit-Baltistan, curfew imposed

Islamabad: Demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan over the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei entered a second day on Monday, with unrest and violence reported across parts of the region.

At least 11 people were killed in Skardu district after security personnel opened fire when protesters allegedly vandalised and set ablaze a United Nations office.

Amid the deteriorating situation, the local administration imposed a curfew and sought the deployment of the army to restore order.

According to local media reports, angry mobs in Gilgit and Skardu torched offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. Several other buildings were also damaged, including government offices, a school, the office of the Superintendent of Police and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme office, Ary News reported.

Ghulam Hasan, an official in the regional administration, issued a notification announcing the curfew and requesting military assistance. The order cited a fragile law and order situation following large-scale protests over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and warned that unrest could escalate further, particularly in Gilgit and Skardu districts.

It is therefore requested that Pakistan Army troops be deployed in District Gilgit and Skardu and that a curfew be imposed immediately for an initial period of three days to prevent any untoward incidents and protect human life and property in the aforementioned districts, the notification stated.

Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Akbar Nasir said in a video message that, along with the army, police, Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel would remain deployed in affected areas.

He added that the curfew would be relaxed only to allow funeral prayers and burial rites on humanitarian grounds. Only local residents of Gilgit would be permitted to attend funerals, while those from outside the city or other districts would not be allowed to participate, he said.

Violent protests were also reported outside the US Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore. Calls were made for demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar.

The US Embassy advised American citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and maintain heightened personal security precautions.

According to The Express Tribune, at least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across Pakistan, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu district and two in Islamabad.

Visuals circulating on social media showed damage to the US Consulate in Karachi, with doors and windows smashed and parts of the premises set on fire. Demonstrators were seen damaging property and clashing with security personnel, who responded with force to disperse the crowd.

(Inputs from IANS)