23 killed in protests across Pakistan after Khamenei's assassination in US-Israel strike

• 11 killed in GB's Skardu, 2 in Islamabad.
• Sindh orders inquiry into Karachi incident.
• Clerics urge citizens to remain peaceful. 

At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes during protest demonstrations across Pakistan, which turned violent despite appeals for calm from religious figures and the security czar, against the US-Israeli bombing campaign that martyred Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top officials.

According to details, 10 protesters lost their lives in Karachi during a demonstration outside the US consulate, 11 in Gilgit Baltistan's Skardu and two in Islamabad.

In Karachi, authorities blocked all roads leading to the consulate, while a traffic police post under the Sultanabad bridge was set on fire. Police resorted to shelling near the Central Police Office on II Chundrigar Road to disperse a rally, while another protest was held at Native Jetty Bridge near the Customs House.

At least 34 people were injured, police said. Karachi's Civil Hospital said all those killed and injured were hit with gunshots.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government spokesperson said protesters in Karachi breached the outer security cordon of the US consulate and vandalised property. The provincial government has constituted a high-level joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the incident.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Iran’s supreme leader and directed authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the Karachi incident. He also contacted religious leaders, including Allama Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi and Allama Shabbir Maisami, and urged them to help restrain public emotions.

He appealed to religious scholars to play their role in maintaining peace and also called on the public to cooperate with the government in the interest of law and order.

Protesters also took to the streets in other parts of Pakistan, carrying black flags and chanting "Down with America!" and anti-Israel slogans. In the central city of Lahore, police said hundreds gathered outside the US consulate. There were some small-scale clashes with police, who fired tear gas.

In the capital Islamabad, all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions were blocked to traffic, police said. Police fired tear gas and live bullets when thousands of protesters tried to march towards the diplomatic enclave, killing two and injuring nearly 10, two officials said on condition of anonymity.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged protesters to remain peaceful. "We stand with you," he said, adding that every Pakistani was as grief-stricken as the people of Iran.

Separately, leading clerics appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and show restraint.

Allama Shehanshah Naqvi said that, in the prevailing atmosphere of grief, unity and harmony must be strengthened and sorrow should be expressed while keeping in view the spirit of Karbala.

Allama Sheikh Agha Baqar said the protests reflected a principled and ideological stance but must remain peaceful under all circumstances, adding that damaging government buildings, national institutions or public property could not be justified.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi said peaceful protest was everyone’s right, but burning national property and harming the country was neither wise nor acceptable, urging people to follow the teachings of patience and tolerance given by religious elders.

— With additional input from Reuters