Violence erupted across Karachi on September 29, 2024, as thousands protested the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, following Israeli airstrikes he reportedly fell victim to.
Demonstrations spurred by the Hezbollah leader's killing swept across Pakistan, with Karachi seeing particularly intense clashes between police and protesters. Members of the religious political party Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) led the unrest, proclaiming their anger against both Israel and the United States as they voiced their grievances against the perceived injustice.
Reports indicate the protests began at the PIDC intersection, shifting toward the U.S. Consulate via prominent roads like Mai Kolachi. Yet, as participants attempted to breach the police barricades arranged to curb their advance, confrontations escalated swiftly.
Videos circulating on social media showcased the chaotic scene, with protests on MT Khan Road erupting as tear gas filled the air. Crowds brandishing Hezbollah flags clashed with police equipped with riot shields, resulting in officers being struck by thrown stones.
Deputy Inspector General of Police South, Mohammad Raza, noted multiple injuries among law enforcement personnel during the protests, attributing some violence to stone pelting, which left certain officers severely injured. Clashes resulted in arrests, but most protesters were later freed following negotiations.
Criticism directed at law enforcement escalated following the events—the MWM condemned the police's heavy-handed response as “shameful,” stating their actions contradicted the agreement to maintain peace.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere remained charged as similar protests erupted nationwide. Heated demonstrations also occurred in Islamabad, where approximately 4,000 activists rallied outside the Press Club. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the Jamaat-i-Islami expressed dismay at the police's alleged brutality, claiming authorities assaulted peaceful demonstrators, including journalists and women.
Compounding the situation, many protesters voiced their contempt for U.S. involvement, with calls from MWM leaders for the American embassy to close its doors permanently. After Nasrallah's death was confirmed, the mood shifted dramatically, as demonstrators' fury simmered to the surface, reflecting broader sentiments about American foreign policy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments added to the heightened tensions. He branded Hamas as the “main engine of Iran’s axis of evil” and issued ominous warnings to Iran, emphasizing the consequences of supporting groups like Hezbollah.
The Pakistani government's reaction was swift. Foreign Office officials condemned what they termed Israel’s reckless adventurism, decrying the attack as part of Israel’s unchecked aggression against civilians. Section 144, which limits gatherings to prevent unrest, was imposed during the protests, yet many defied these restrictions, signaling deep frustration at the government.
Reports noted various political figures echoing similar themes, calling for justice against what they viewed as blatant violations of sovereignty. Critics of the protesters, including political opponents, framed the unrest as politically motivated, asserting those involved stood to gain from instability.
Despite the chaos, brief negotiations with protest leaders led to the end of the demonstrations, yet not without damage. The protests resulted not just in injuries among police and participants, but also significant property damage. Several police vehicles suffered damage, and the protests descended from organized demonstrations to chaotic clashes as the day wore on.
Political analysts noted how events tied to the Israeli-Palestinian dynamics often ignite fervent responses within Pakistan, reflecting its historical support for Palestine amid longstanding geopolitical strife with Israel. The protests, dynamic yet turbulent, portray the tightrope Pakistan balances when considering its international relationships and domestic sentiments.
While officials began to diffuse the situation, calls for justice and accountability lingered. Whether the protests will bring lasting change or reflect merely transient outrage remains uncertain as the political climate continues to shift unpredictably.
