Clashes with police erupted on Sunday in Karachi as protesters marched against the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces. The protests were led by around 3,000 activists in Pakistan's biggest city as the pro-Iran Shi'ite political party Majlis Wahadatul Muslimeen organized the protest. This protest movement escalated when protesters tried to break through security cordons in an attempt to reach the US consulate. Police responded with force, using baton charges and tear gas to push back the crowd. Seven officers are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained by stone-throwing protesters.
Protests Erupt Over Nasrallah’s Death
Convened by the Shi'ite religious political party Majlis Wahadatul Muslimeen, protests yesterday erupted from the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was targeted by an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Friday. protesters showed posters of Nasrallah and chanted slogans such as "Death to America" as they marched toward the US consulate in Karachi.
Police Clash with Protesters In Karachi
Matters worsened when protesters attempted to cross over implicitly demarcated boundaries. According to Police Deputy Inspector General Asad Raza, the crowd had burst the cordons and the police retaliated with baton charging and tear gas to scatter the crowds.
Peaceful March Turns Violent
On Sunday, the protest occurred in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and financial center. The march was initially peaceful but soon turned violent as protesters were marching towards the US consulate, ignoring the law enforcement cordon lines.
Global Protests Erupt After Nasrallah’s Death
The demonstration was held after reports from the Israeli airstrike with the killing of a prominent Hezbollah militant member Hassan Nasrallah. Protests were seen across the Muslim world, including Karachi, due to the killing. Hezbollah has vowed to avenge his death, and tensions have been witnessed across the region.
Police to File Charges Against Protesters
To block the crowd from advancing to the US consulate, police were left with no alternative but to act when protesters breached the agreed terms of the rally. According to Deputy Inspector General Asad Raza, criminal charges will be filed against the violators of riot law who resorted to violent acts while protesting.