Thousands of protesters gathered in Skardu town of Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday and allegedly set ablaze a United Nations office during massive anti-United States and anti-Israel demonstrations held in support of Iran following the reported assassination of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports confirmed that the United Nations office was set on fire amid large rallies condemning the killing. In addition to the UN facility, protesters allegedly torched the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, an Army Public School building and the AKRSP office, triggering panic in the area.
Reports said thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from multiple locations as demonstrators marched through streets raising slogans against the United States and Israel. Security forces were deployed to contain the situation and prevent further damage.
The unrest comes amid widespread anger in parts of the region after reports emerged of Khamenei’s killing in coordinated military strikes, developments that have sparked protests in several cities.
Authorities were assessing the extent of damage while additional forces were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order. [KNT]
