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At least 22 people were killed and more than 120 injured on Sunday during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan, as demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, according to agency reports.
The unrest was reported in the southern port city of Karachi as well as in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, where thousands of protesters took to the streets following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Police and hospital officials in Karachi said dozens of injured people were brought in for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, local police official Asghar Ali said 12 people were killed and more than 80 wounded after protesters clashed with security forces and attacked offices linked to the United Nations and government institutions.
Government spokesman Shabir Mir said U.N. staff were safe and that troops had been deployed to restore order.
Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, expressed “profound sorrow” over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and extended condolences to Iran, according to a statement from his office.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said it was monitoring reports of demonstrations at its diplomatic missions in Karachi and Lahore, as well as planned protests in Islamabad and Peshawar.
Authorities said the situation was being brought under control as security forces increased their presence in affected areas.
