At least three killed in anti-US protest in Islamabad

At least three protesters were killed and 56 others, including law enforcement personnel, were injured during clashes with police on March 1, authorities said.

Around 4,000 demonstrators attempted to march towards Islamabad’s heavily guarded diplomatic enclave, home to the U.S. embassy. Police opened fire to disperse the crowd, according to anonymous sources cited by Xinhua.

The protesters said they were expressing anger over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Tehran on February 28.

Following the gunfire, demonstrators retreated to nearby areas. The injured were transported to hospitals for treatment, and several protesters were detained by authorities.

Police sources said the situation is now under control, with security restored around the diplomatic zone. Army personnel have been deployed at key entry points to maintain order.

“However, the protest is not completely over, and demonstrators remain in nearby areas and could regroup in an attempt to approach the embassy again,” the sources added.

In response, the Islamabad administration has issued a citywide ban on protests, warning that anyone violating the order will face legal action.