KARACHI: A day after violent protests and the killing of 11 people near the US consulate in Karachi, police on Monday registered three cases on behalf of the state against “unknown persons” on terrorism charge.

Protests that erupted in Karachi over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei turned violent when a number of people entered the outer periphery of the US consulate on Mai Kolachi Road, only to be pushed back by authorities.

The police said as many as 11 people were killed and 30 others were injured in the incident. A six-member inquiry team has been formed to ascertain all facts about the incident within seven days.

A senior official explained that the first of the three FIRs was registered against “unidentified 150-200 protesters” for vandalising the US consulate building, resorted to firing and arson.

Three FIRs lodged against ‘unknown persons’; IGP forms body for ‘transparent’ probe; several officers removed

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.

So far, no one has been arrested.

DSP, four SHOs suspended

Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho took strict action against several police officials for their alleged negligence in performance of duty, maladministration and loss to human lives and property on March 1.

A statement issued by the Central Police Office, without mentioning the US consulate incident, said after initial inquiry, the IGP recommended removal and suspension of the Keamari SSP.

The police chief also suspended Keamari DSP and SHOs of the Docks, SITE-B, KPT and Jackson police stations and in charge foreign security cell.

A six-member high-level committee has also been set up for a ‘transparent inquiry’ of the incident.

The committee is led by Additional IG of the Counter-Terrorism Department and comprising DIGs of Special Branch and Headquarters, SSP Investigation CTD and two Assistant IGs.

“The committee has been directed to submit a detailed report containing all facts about the incident within seven days,” said the statement.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026