Islamabad, March 5 – Several key roads in Karachi, Pakistan, have been closed to traffic for the fourth consecutive day due to security arrangements following protests that erupted after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, local media reported on Thursday.
At least 11 people were killed, and several others were injured in Karachi during protests outside the US Consulate following Khamenei's killing. According to traffic police, barriers were placed and personnel were deployed to restrict movement. Containers were placed on the PIDC Bridge, while the roads leading to Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi have been blocked, Geo News, based in Pakistan, reported.
Furthermore, barriers have been placed to stop traffic movement on the Jinnah Bridge. The Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi Road has been closed by authorities as part of the security measures. According to traffic police, people living in affected areas will be allowed to enter or leave after showing their identification.
Following Khamenei's killing, protests erupted in several parts of Pakistan. Protesters in Karachi breached the outer wall of the US Consulate compound and damaged the property. At least 11 people were killed during the firing.
In Lahore, hundreds of protesters assembled outside the consulate, with clashes reported after police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march towards the embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security deployment.
On March 4, the United States ordered non-emergency government employees and family members of staff at its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan, citing safety concerns, according to an official statement.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Pakistan said the US State Department had directed the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the two missions. It added that there has been no change in the status of the US Embassy in Islamabad.
Amid the unrest, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi announced on Tuesday that visa appointments have been cancelled until March 6.
In a statement posted on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad said: “Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6.”
