Islamabad, March 2 (NationPress) Protests in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) surrounding the passing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have escalated into their second day on Monday, with demonstrators engaging in significant unrest, including arson and violence throughout the region.

At least 11 individuals have lost their lives in the Skardu district of PoGB after security forces opened fire on protesters who were vandalizing and setting fire to a UN office.

In response to the turmoil, the local government has enforced a curfew and requested military intervention following extensive unrest across the area.

Reports from local media indicate that in Gilgit and Skardu, outraged crowds ignited fires at the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

During the chaos, numerous buildings, including government offices, a school, and the office of the Superintendent of Police, as well as the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office, suffered damage, as reported by the leading publication Ary News.

To address the growing tensions, Ghulam Hasan, an official from the PoGB administration, released a notification announcing the curfew and the need for military support. The notification expressed concerns about the fragile law and order situation following the large-scale protests triggered by the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting fears that unrest could escalate, particularly in the Gilgit and Skardu districts.

"Hence, a request has been made for the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in District Gilgit and Skardu, and an immediate curfew for an initial period of three days (March 2, 3, and 4) is imperative to prevent any untoward events and safeguard human lives and property in the affected districts," the notification detailed.

Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan, Akbar Nasir, stated in a video message that alongside the army, police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel will remain stationed in the impacted areas.

He noted that the curfew would only be relaxed for funeral prayers and burials on humanitarian grounds.

The IGP further specified that only local residents of Gilgit would be allowed to attend funerals, while individuals from outside the city or other districts would be prohibited from participating.

Violent protests also erupted outside the US Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore, with calls for demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar occurring on Sunday.

The US Embassy has cautioned American citizens in Pakistan to stay updated with local news and to employ good personal security practices.

Meanwhile, at least 23 protesters were reported killed in clashes across Pakistan, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi and 11 in the Skardu district of PoGB, with two fatalities reported in Islamabad, according to the prominent Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.

Visual footage circulating on social media depicted shattered doors and windows at the US Consulate in Karachi, alongside chaotic scenes of demonstrators damaging property and clashing with law enforcement.

Protesters were observed breaking windows and attacking the guard area with sticks, which resulted in a strong response from law enforcement agencies.