Intense Protests Erupt in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan Following Ayatollah Khamenei's Death

Protests Escalate in Gilgit-Baltistan

Islamabad, March 2: Protests in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have intensified for a second consecutive day following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in large numbers, leading to incidents of arson and violence throughout the region.

Reports indicate that at least 11 individuals lost their lives in the Skardu district after security forces opened fire on protesters who were vandalizing and setting fire to a UN office.

In response to the unrest, local authorities have enforced a curfew and requested military support to restore order in the area.

According to local news sources, protesters in Gilgit and Skardu targeted the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), setting them ablaze.

Numerous buildings, including government offices, a school, and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office, sustained damage during the riots, as reported by Ary News.

In light of the escalating situation, Ghulam Hasan, a PoGB administration official, issued a curfew notification and called for military assistance.

The notification expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation following the protests triggered by Khamenei's assassination, particularly in Gilgit and Skardu.

"We request the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in District Gilgit and Skardu and the immediate imposition of a curfew for an initial three-day period (March 2, 3, and 4) to avert further incidents and safeguard lives and property in these districts," the notification stated.

Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan, Akbar Nasir, confirmed in a video statement that police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel would be stationed in the affected areas alongside the army.

He noted that the curfew would only be relaxed for funeral prayers and burials on humanitarian grounds, allowing only local residents of Gilgit to attend.

Violent demonstrations also erupted outside the US Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore, with calls for protests at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar on Sunday.

The US Embassy has urged American citizens in Pakistan to stay updated with local news and maintain personal safety measures.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least 23 protesters have died in clashes across Pakistan, including 10 near the US consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu, and two in Islamabad, according to The Express Tribune.

Social media footage depicted scenes of chaos outside the US Consulate in Karachi, with demonstrators smashing windows and clashing with security forces.

Protesters were seen breaking windows and attacking security areas with sticks, prompting a strong response from law enforcement.