KARACHI: As roads leading to the United States consulate remained closed for the third consecutive day, the Sindh government on Tuesday notified the joint interrogation team (JIT) to probe what it called the March 1 “American consulate incident”.

On March 1, 11 people were shot dead and over 30 others were injured during a violent protest near the US consulate in Karachi against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to a notification, “the Sindh home department has constituted a JIT comprising senior police officers to investigate the incident that took place on March 1 near the US consulate in Karachi.”

The JIT will be led by Counter-Terrorism Department chief Additional Inspector General Zulfiqar Ali Larik.

Regarding the terms of reference (ToRs), the official order said the JIT would ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any lapses in security protocols, procedural compliance or command responsibility. It would also examine the role of police personnel and any external elements involved.

The team would recommend immediate remedial measures and a long-term preventive strategy.

The JIT has been directed to complete and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations within seven days of the issuance of this letter.

Meanwhile, M.T. Khan Road leading to the US consulate remained closed for the third consecutive day on Tuesday due to security reasons. As a result of the closure, traffic was adversely affected on Jinnah Bridge, ICI Chowk, Kharadar Jamatkhana, Dockyard, Tower, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, a traffic police spokesperson said.

In the evening, Mai Kolachi Road, from Boat Basin to Jinnah Bridge, was opened to light vehicles; however, it remained closed to heavy traffic, the traffic police statement added.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026