Violent Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Following Khamenei’s Death; 16 Dead

Massive, violent demonstrations broke out across Pakistan on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as protesters expressed outrage over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. The unrest has resulted in at least 16 deaths and over 100 injuries nationwide.

Deadly Clashes at U.S. Consulate in Karachi

• The Incident: In Karachi, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. Dozens managed to breach the outer perimeter, smashing windows and setting fire to a police check post and parts of the reception area.
• Casualties: At least nine people were killed in Karachi during clashes with police and paramilitary forces, who used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the mob. Over 60 people were reported injured, including several police officers.
• Current Status: Security forces have since regained control of the consulate perimeter, and the Sindh provincial government has launched a high-level investigation into the violence.

Unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan and Other Regions

• UN Offices Attacked: In the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Skardu, thousands of protesters set fire to the offices of the United Nations (UN) Military Observer Group and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
• Casualties in the North: Clashes in the Gilgit region resulted in an additional seven deaths and dozens of injuries.
• Widespread Rallies: Major protests were also reported in Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, where police blocked all roads leading to the “Red Zone” diplomatic enclave to prevent demonstrators from reaching the U.S. Embassy.

Government Response

• Condolences and Calls for Calm: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “profound sorrow” over Khamenei’s death, with the President stating that Pakistan “stands with the Iranian nation in this moment of grief.” However, officials also condemned the attacks on diplomatic missions as violations of international law.
• Security Alerts: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has issued a security alert, urging American citizens to avoid large crowds and monitor local news as tensions remain high.

The violence reflects the deep spiritual and political connection many in Pakistan—home to one of the world’s largest Shia populations—felt toward the late Iranian leader.