A major development in the probe into the firing incident near the US Consulate in Karachi, as Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced the formation of a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
As per details, Memon said that following the tragic incident, the Chief Minister constituted a JIT comprising senior and technical officers to thoroughly probe the matter.
He said the team has been given the task of submitting its report within 15 days, after which the exact circumstances surrounding the firing will be determined.
The minister stated that, due to the seriousness of the situation, investigators are carefully examining all available evidence and closely monitoring the crime scene. He added that the JIT will present a detailed fact-finding report and warned against drawing premature conclusions before the investigation is completed.
Protest outside US consulate Karachi following Khamenei’s death
It is important to note here that demonstrations broke out outside the United States Consulate after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a strike carried out by US and Israel.
A large number of protesters gathered near the consulate, chanting slogans and expressing anger over the reported development. As tensions escalated, police used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from going out of control.
Police temporarily shut down roads linking Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi while traffic coming from Jinnah Bridge was diverted through I.I. Chundrigar Road to ease congestion and maintain security in the area.
Officials have requested citizens to avoid the area until the situation stabilises, as law enforcement agencies remain deployed.
11 people were killed when protesters during the protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi.
Sindh police registers FIR
Police registered three cases on behalf of the state against “unknown persons” on terrorism charges.
Three FIRs were registered against “unidentified 150-200 protesters” for vandalising the US consulate building, resorting to firing and arson.
He said the second FIR was also lodged against unknown persons for setting a police post on fire and arson near the consulate.
The third FIR pertained to violence on Native Jetty Bridge and it was also lodged against “unknown armed men” who resorted to firing, causing bullet injuries to two women and injuries to others, the official said.
The FIRs are lodged under 302 (premediated murder), 324 (attempted murder) and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Rumours of US consulate fire in Karachi are false, authorities clarify
Officials have dismissed circulating social media reports claiming that the United States Consulate in Karachi was set on fire, terming them false and misleading.
Officials said that while a small group of protestors reached the outer area of the consulate causing minor disturbances such as burning a tyre, the situation was quickly contained. Consulate security has been significantly strengthened in response to the regional tensions and to prevent any escalation.
The smoke visible in some images and videos shared online was either from tear gas shells deployed by law enforcement or from small controlled fires involving tyres and wooden sticks not a large-scale fire at the consulate.
Authorities have engaged the leadership of the protestors to ensure the maintenance of peace and order. Citizens are urged not to share unverified claims as misinformation can escalate tensions unnecessarily.
Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the consulate and surrounding areas remain secure.
Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has stated that he is currently present at the US Consulate Karachi and that the situation is under control. He confirmed that a small number of individuals who managed to barge inside have now been removed and dispersed.
Also read: Who was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The man who redefined Iran’s politics
