CM Maryam directs police to handle protesters with respect following Khamenei's martyrdom

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that she has directed the police and district administration to handle protesters with empathy and respect in Lahore following the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz stated that law enforcement authorities have been instructed to understand the sentiments of the demonstrators and to treat them with dignity.

She further announced that arrangements are being made to provide Iftar meals for the protesters.

میں نے پولیس اور انتظامیہ کو ہدایت کی ہے کہ مظاہرین کے احساسات کو سمجھا جائے اور ان کے ساتھ عزت و احترام کے ساتھ پیش آیا جائے۔ مظاہرین کے لیے افطار کا بندوبست کیا جا رہا ہے۔ ہر مسلمان اس وقت دکھی اور اشکبار ہے مگر اپنے ملک، اپنے شہروں میں امن و امان قائم رکھنا بھی ہم سب کا اولین…

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) March 1, 2026

The Punjab chief minister added that every Muslim is currently grieving and in tears, but emphasized that maintaining peace in the country remains a collective responsibility.

“We must uphold this duty. In this time of sorrow, we stand united,” she said.

Earlier in the day, nine people were killed and 18 injured after protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel near Karachi’s US Consulate, according to a hospital official.

According to a statement by Edhi, law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton-charge to control the situation.

Also Read: Azma Bokhari expresses grief over Khamenei's assassination

Authorities temporarily closed roads connecting Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi, while traffic from Jinnah Bridge was redirected via I.I. Chundrigar Road to manage the situation and prevent further congestion.

Officials have urged residents to avoid the area as security forces continue to manage the protests and maintain public order.