US-Israel-Iran Tensions: Violent Protests Erupt In Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan Over Killing Of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | Video

Mumbai: Security personnel in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan are facing a difficult situation after protests erupted following joint military strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iran on February 28, which claimed the lives of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, among many other top officials.

In retaliation, Tehran has attacked not only Israel but also key US military installations across the Middle East, further heightening tensions in the region.

The protests in Gilgit-Baltistan are in response to what demonstrators describe as a blatant violation of international norms and regulations governing global conduct, and against what they see as the militaristic actions of the US and Israel in striking a sovereign nation, its head of state, and top officials.

Following the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader in the February 28 strikes, members of the Muslim community took to the streets to vent their anger and frustration over what they view as a clear disregard for the rules-based international order. In Gilgit, demonstrators set fire to local United Nations offices, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office. In Skardu, the Superintendent of Police’s office and several government buildings were also torched.

In an attempt to pacify the situation, police opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of seven demonstrators and injuries to more than a dozen others. An emergency has been declared in hospitals, and security has been placed on high alert in Gilgit and Skardu.

Death of Iranian Supreme Leader Sparks Protests in Karachi

Tensions also rose in the Pakistani city of Karachi following the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, with visuals on social media showing large crowds clashing with authorities and storming parts of the US Consulate in protest against the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the consulate demanding accountability for what they described as the unjust killing of the head of state of a sovereign nation. The demonstration, initially contained at the entrance, soon turned chaotic as sections of the crowd broke through security barricades and entered parts of the consulate premises.

In a bid to control the situation, security personnel responded with tear gas, batons, and warning shots to disperse the crowd and prevent further breaches. The clashes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and left several protesters injured.