Court orders release on surety bonds as unrest across the country leaves 23 dead and many more injured
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on Monday approved bail for 42 people arrested over vandalism and property damage during protests that broke out after the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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The case was heard by Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who granted bail to all the accused against surety bonds worth Rs10,000 each.
Police had filed two separate FIRs against the suspects—one at Secretariat police station and the other at Aabpara police station—invoking terrorism-related provisions along with other charges.
The demonstrations began after Khamenei was killed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. The incident triggered protests in several cities across Pakistan, many of which later turned violent.
At least 23 people lost their lives in clashes nationwide. Among them were 10 killed outside the US consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu — where protesters set a UN office on fire and troops were called in to restore order — and two in Islamabad.
In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the US consulate chanting slogans against America and Israel. Gunfire was reported in the area, while tear gas was used in nearby streets. Demonstrators also torched a vehicle near the main entrance and engaged in clashes with police, with stone-pelting escalating as additional police personnel were deployed from different parts of the city.
Law enforcement responded with tear gas and firing. Police surgeon Dr. Sameeya Tariq said 96 others were wounded during the violence.
Protests were also held in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. In Lahore, according to police, hundreds assembled outside the US consulate, where minor clashes broke out after officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In Islamabad, thousands of demonstrators carrying black flags and shouting anti-America and anti-Israel slogans gathered at Aabpara Chowk and attempted to move towards the US Embassy despite a heavy security presence and containers blocking access to the Red Zone.
The protesters threw stones at police, crossed into the restricted area, and reached the entrance of the Diplomatic Enclave. Police then used tear gas, aerial firing, and armored vehicles to force the crowd back towards Aabpara Chowk.
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