Demonstrations were organised by Jamaat-i-Islami, the Shia Ulema Council, and the Ittehad-e-Ummat Forum rally started from Imambargah G-6/2 after Friday prayers and moved to D-Chowk, where religious and political leaders addressed participants. Jamaat-i-Islami held a protest outside Aabpara Market’s Shaheed Mosque, with a second demonstration at D-Chowk.
Across the country, rallies were planned to show solidarity with Iran and condemn the attacks. Organisers also honoured those injured or killed in previous demonstrations and renewed calls for the release of detained protesters.
Over 2,000 police and traffic personnel were deployed, with anti-riot forces stationed in the Red Zone. Section 144 remains in effect across the city. Police announced that only Margalla Road and routes near the Marriott Hotel are open for entry into the Red Zone.
Other routes, including Fazal-e-Haq Road towards China Chowk, are closed, with Jinnah Avenue recommended as an alternative.
Traffic from Luqman Hakim Road near Polyclinic and Lal Quarter Chowk is diverted to Saddar Road. Commuters from G-6 to F-6 are advised to use the China Chowk underpass or Seventh Avenue to Jinnah Avenue, while vehicles from Aabpara Chowk towards Serena Hotel are rerouted via Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Seventh Avenue, and Margalla Road.
Protests in Karachi
In Karachi, a protest against the US and Israel over attacks on Iran disrupted traffic on MA Jinnah Road. Demonstrators marched from Khawaja Asna Ashari Mosque to the Native Jetty Bridge, chanting anti-Israel slogans and carrying placards.
MA Jinnah Road from Kharadar Police Station to Tower was closed, and traffic was diverted toward Yaqoobia Mosque. Abu al-Isphani Road from Al-Asif Square to Paradise was also closed, with vehicles rerouted via Paradise to Faria Chowk.
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Karachi Police issued a security alert for Friday prayers, deploying plainclothes and uniformed personnel across the city. IG Azad Khan instructed all police stations to ensure the safety of worshippers and personally monitor security arrangements.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar chaired a meeting to review the law and order situation, directing agencies to maintain order and warning that displaying weapons during rallies or protests would not be tolerated.
Earlier this week, nationwide protests erupted following US–Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Clashes resulted in at least 23 deaths, including 10 outside the US Consulate in Karachi, where demonstrators attempted to breach the compound and clashed with police.
