Pakistan Reels from Violence Following Khamenei’s Death, Curfews Imposed

GILGIT-BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN – Pakistan is grappling with widespread unrest and violence following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with protests erupting across the country and resulting in at least 21 deaths as of Monday, March 2, 2026. Authorities have deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu in an attempt to quell the escalating tensions.

Protests Turn Violent in Gilgit-Baltistan

Demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) entered their second day on Monday, with protesters engaging in arson and violence. At least 11 people were killed in the Skardu district after security officials opened fire on demonstrators who were allegedly vandalizing and torching a United Nations office.

Angry mobs in Gilgit and Skardu targeted offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), setting them ablaze. Other buildings damaged included government offices, a school, the office of the Superintendent of Police, and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office.

Ghulam Hasan, an official in the PoGB administration, issued a notification announcing the curfew and requesting military assistance, citing a fragile law and order situation and concerns that unrest could intensify, particularly in Gilgit and Skardu districts. The curfew is in effect from March 2nd through March 4th.

Attacks on U.S. Consulates and Clashes in Karachi and Islamabad

The unrest extended beyond Gilgit-Baltistan, with demonstrators storming the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows and attempting to set the building on fire. Police responded with tear gas and gunfire, resulting in 10 deaths and over 50 injuries. One person was also killed in clashes in Islamabad during an attempted Shiite march toward the U.S. Embassy.

In response to the security concerns, the U.S. Embassy and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore have canceled visa appointments and American Citizen Services.

Economic Impact and Regional Tensions

The violence has also impacted Pakistan’s economy, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange plunging nearly 10% on Monday. Investors sold off shares across sectors, citing heightened uncertainty following the attacks on Iran.

The unrest comes amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began on Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.

UN Response

U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that protesters became violent near the UNMOGIP Field Station, which was vandalized. He emphasized that the safety and security of U.N. Personnel and premises remain a top priority.

Rising Anger Among Shiite Minority

Anger has been rising in Pakistan, particularly among members of the Shiite minority, following U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Shiites form a majority in some northern districts and in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan.