Pakistan Enforces Curfew as Protests Erupt After Khamenei’s Death

Pakistani authorities implemented a three-day curfew in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu following violent protests that erupted after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His killing in U.S.-Israeli strikes has led to widespread unrest, with reports indicating at least 12 fatalities and over 80 injuries in the aftermath of these demonstrations.

In the early hours of Monday, troops were deployed to restore order as thousands of Shiite protesters targeted the offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) and the U.N. Development Programme in Skardu. The violence escalated with protesters vandalizing a police station and damaging a school and local charity offices in Gilgit. According to police in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the unrest was particularly intense, prompting local officials to act swiftly.

Escalating Tensions and Security Measures

The U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the vandalism near the UNMOGIP Field Station, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the safety of its personnel. “The safety and security of U.N. personnel and premises throughout the region remain our top priority,” he stated, noting that the situation is being closely monitored.

In light of the deteriorating law and order conditions, Akbar Nasir Khan, the police chief of Gilgit, urged residents to remain indoors. The curfew is set to last until Wednesday, with local government spokesman Shabir Mir asserting that authorities have the situation under control.

Violence was not limited to the northern regions; protests in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi escalated when demonstrators stormed the U.S. Consulate. Protesters broke windows and attempted to set the building ablaze, resulting in a police response that included batons, tear gas, and gunfire. This confrontation led to at least 10 deaths and over 50 injuries. Additional clashes also occurred in Islamabad, where one individual was killed during a Shiite march towards the U.S. Embassy.

In response to the violence, the U.S. Embassy and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore canceled visa appointments and American Citizen Services for security reasons. Pakistani authorities have heightened security measures around U.S. diplomatic missions across the country, including the consulate in Peshawar.

Market Reaction and Broader Implications

The unrest has had significant economic repercussions, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange experiencing a sharp decline. On Monday, the benchmark KSE-100 Index fell nearly 10%, as investors reacted to the rising geopolitical tensions following the attacks on Iran. Analysts attribute the decline to heightened uncertainty among investors, leading to widespread sell-offs across various sectors.

The violence has intensified existing anger among Pakistan’s Shiite minority, who have been particularly vocal in their opposition to U.S. and Israeli actions. While Shiites are a minority nationwide, they represent a majority in certain northern districts and the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shares a border with Afghanistan.

The protests also coincide with ongoing border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which escalated last week after Afghanistan retaliated against Pakistani airstrikes. As the situation evolves, both local and international observers are closely watching the developments in Pakistan, particularly the potential for further unrest in response to international events.

The unrest following Khamenei’s death reflects a complex interplay of regional politics and domestic grievances, raising concerns about stability in the region moving forward.