Pakistan Protests Over Iran Supreme Leader’s Death Turn Deadly

Karachi, Pakistan – At least 22 people have been killed and over 120 injured across Pakistan during protests sparked by the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which demonstrators attribute to a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. The most violent clashes occurred in Karachi, where protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Clashes in Karachi and Gilgit-Baltistan

In Karachi, authorities report at least six people were killed in confrontations with police as hundreds of protesters tried to breach the U.S. Consulate. Images from the scene show protesters smashing windows and attempting to overwhelm security forces. AP News and The Independent confirm the violence and the attempts to storm the consulate.

Further north, in Gilgit-Baltistan, at least seven people were killed and dozens wounded, according to rescue official Zaheer Shah, as reported by Al Jazeera. Protesters in Skardu reportedly set fire to a United Nations office, though no casualties were reported there.

Nationwide Protests and Security Measures

Protests also erupted in the capital, Islamabad, prompting police to block all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy and parliament. Al Jazeera reports that police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters attempting to march towards the diplomatic enclave.

Demonstrations were also reported in Lahore, where hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Consulate. Eyewitness Aqeel Raza told The Independent that protesters attempted to damage a security gate but were stopped by police without the use of force.

Context of the Protests

The protests were triggered by the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which demonstrators blame on a joint U.S.-Israeli operation. Al Jazeera and The Independent both report this as the primary cause of the unrest. Iran has reportedly retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. Military installations in the Gulf. The Independent

The New York Times notes that these protests in Pakistan are occurring as Iran’s neighbors brace for potential regional conflict and fallout.

Key Takeaways

• At least 22 people have been killed in protests across Pakistan following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
• The most violent clashes occurred in Karachi, where protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate.
• Protests were also reported in Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and Lahore.
• The protests are a response to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which demonstrators attribute to U.S.-Israeli action.