Mar 2 • 15:41 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Pakistan deploys troops and imposes curfew after deadly Iran protests

Pakistan has dispatched troops and instituted a three-day curfew in reaction to deadly protests following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by US-Israeli strikes.

In response to violent protests that erupted after the assassination of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pakistan has deployed troops and instituted a three-day curfew in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu. The protests, ignited by anger over the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among civilians. Demonstrators, primarily from the Shiite community, expressed their outrage by targeting UN offices and police stations.

Thousands of protesters turned aggressive, storming various governmental and diplomatic properties, including offices belonging to the UN Military Observer Group, which is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire in the Kashmir region. As part of the violent demonstrations, protesters set ablaze a police station and caused substantial damage to schools and other public infrastructure in Skardu. The deployment of troopers by Pakistani authorities aims to restore order amid fears of further escalations in violence in response to the perceived threats from foreign powers.

The situation reflects the sensitivity of regional politics, particularly between Pakistan, Iran, and the US, and underscores the significant domestic instability triggered by foreign interventions in Middle Eastern politics. The curfew and military presence are indicative of the Pakistani government's determination to prevent a spillover of unrest that could affect national security and deepen sectarian tensions within its borders, especially given its historical affiliations with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Kashmir.

📡 Similar Coverage