American far-right political activist Laura Loomer has called on Washington to suspend all visas for Pakistani nationals following violent protests outside the US Consulate in Karachi.
In a post on X, Loomer wrote, “The US State Department should suspend all visas for Pakistanis, including green cards for as long as they can,” tagging US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Her remarks came after protests erupted across Pakistan in response to the US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pakistani authorities said at least 22 people were killed and more than 120 injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
In Karachi, protesters attempted to storm the heavily fortified US Consulate compound. Police and hospital officials confirmed multiple deaths and dozens of injuries. Windows at the consulate were smashed, and a nearby police post was set on fire before security forces regained control.
Loomer alleged that protesters attempting to breach the compound were “being shot dead on site by US Marines,” describing them as “disgusting Pakistani terrorists.” She further wrote: “Pakistan is a disgusting country that harbored Osama Bin Laden and encourages Muslims to be as radical as possible.”
Loomer used derogatory terms to describe Pakistan as a country that wants to “see Americans and Indians murdered in the name of Islam.”
In another post, Loomer claimed that “Hezbollah supporting terrorists in Pakistan” had broken down the gate of the US Consulate in Karachi. Referring to unconfirmed videos circulating online, she alleged that protesters waving Hezbollah flags were seen forcing entry and shouting: “We are here to avenge the killing of Khamenei… we broke the doors.”
Pakistani authorities have reported clashes between demonstrators and security forces but have not publicly confirmed Loomer’s claims regarding US Marines firing inside the consulate.
The US Embassy in Pakistan said in a post on X that it was monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional protests at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the consulate general in Peshawar.
It advised US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their travel registration with the US government up to date.
In Karachi, which is Pakistan’s largest city, senior police official Irfan Baloch said that protesters briefly attacked the perimeter of the US Consulate, but were later dispersed. He dismissed reports that any part of the consulate building was set on fire. However, he said that protesters torched a nearby police post and smashed windows of the consulate before security forces arrived and regained control.
The US-Israeli strikes that killed Khamenei have plunged the Middle East into a geopolitical crisis, with Iran targeting several countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar in its retaliatory strikes.
Overall, more than 150 people have been killed in the US-led strikes and Iran’s subsequent response so far. The estimated death toll includes three American service members as well.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
