Pakistan Imposes 3-Day Curfew After Pro-Iran Rallies Result in 24 Deaths

Military Deployment and Curfew Imposed in Northern Gilgit-Baltistan Region

The Pakistani military has been deployed to the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, where a three-day curfew has been imposed in certain districts following deadly protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The violence began on Saturday with a joint US-Israeli attack, resulting in at least 24 deaths and dozens of injuries across the country.

On Sunday, clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in further fatalities, including at least 12 people killed and one security officer in the districts of Gilgit, Skurdu, and Shigar. The curfew was implemented on Monday morning in these areas, with authorities citing deteriorating law and order conditions.

Protesters have targeted various locations, including the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the UN Development Programme in Skardu city. Additionally, a police station and school were damaged in Gilgit, while protesters burned a police station and vandalized other buildings.

The situation remains under control, according to officials, with the curfew set to remain in place until Wednesday. Police have urged residents to stay indoors, citing security concerns. The US embassy and consulates in several cities have cancelled visa appointments and American Citizen Services due to security concerns.

Security has been increased at US diplomatic missions across the country, including around the US consulate building in Peshawar. The federal government has warned that the situation could further deteriorate amid large-scale demonstrations condemning Khamenei’s killing.

Source: Al Jazeera