At least eight people were killed and 12 injured in clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel near Karachi’s US Consulate situated on Mai Kolachi Road on Sunday.

Protests broke out across several areas of Karachi on Sunday after reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US, and Israeli air strikes.

Angry protesters staged a demonstration at the US Consulate during which some of the protesters attacked the building, damaged property and set fire to a portion of the property.

According to officials, protesters gathered near the American Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road and tried to force their way into the premises, pelting stones at security personnel.

Police and Rangers responded by pushing the demonstrators back and using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Tensions were reported in several parts of the city, with large gatherings at key locations, including Numaish Chowrangi, Abbas Town, and the Tower area.

Protesters marched on the streets, chanting slogans against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Eyewitnesses said demonstrators later moved toward the US Consulate, where security had been heightened.

Some protesters reportedly threw stones, and there were also unconfirmed reports of gunfire.

Heavy shelling was reported near MT Khan Road following continued stone-throwing by protesters.

A traffic police checkpoint under the Sultanabad Bridge was also set on fire during the unrest.

Rescue authorities said injured individuals were shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Police officials stated that additional personnel have been deployed to control the situation.

Traffic in several parts of the city was severely disrupted due to the protests.

Roads leading to Numaish Chowrangi were closed, while demonstrations at the Native Jetty Bridge near the Custom House affected the flow of vehicles.

Additional police personnel were deployed on Maulvi Tamizuddin Road, while the road from Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi was shut.

According to the traffic police, vehicles coming from Jinnah Bridge were diverted toward I.I. Chundrigar Road.

Traffic from Boat Basin was turned back at the Mai Kolachi crossing, while vehicles arriving from the PIDC House were redirected.

Meanwhile, DIG East Dr Farrukh Ali said the situation is now under control and protesters outside the US Consulate have been dispersed.

“No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, adding that security at sensitive installations and the Red Zone has been further tightened.

Authorities urged citizens to remain calm, avoid spreading or reacting to rumours, and said that the situation was being closely monitored.