Karachi, Pakistan – At least 22 people were killed Sunday in Pakistan as protests erupted following the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what has been described as joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, according to reports from the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. The protests, largely led by Shiite Muslims, targeted U.S. Interests, including an attempt to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, resulting in clashes with police and a significant loss of life. This incident underscores the volatile regional tensions following the reported assassination and the potential for escalating unrest.
The violence began as demonstrators gathered to condemn the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters in Karachi attempted to breach the U.S. Consulate building on Mai Kolachi Road, leading to a confrontation with security forces. At least ten people were killed in Karachi alone, with more than 70 wounded, Al Jazeera reported. Separate protests in Gilgit Baltistan resulted in at least seven additional fatalities and numerous injuries, according to rescue official Zaheer Shah, as cited by AFP. The situation highlights the widespread anger and grief felt by supporters of the late Iranian leader across Pakistan.
Protests Spread Across Pakistan
The unrest wasn’t limited to Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan. In the capital, Islamabad, authorities blocked all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy and parliament, to prevent protesters from reaching sensitive areas. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators attempting to march towards the diplomatic enclave, according to Reuters. The scale of the protests nationwide indicates a broad and deeply felt reaction to the events in Iran.
U.S. Consulate Targeted in Karachi
The most intense clashes occurred at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. The Associated Press reported that protesters set fire to the consulate’s entrance gate. Video footage circulating online, verified by Al Jazeera, showed individuals being transported away from the scene with injuries. The attempt to storm the consulate underscores the protesters’ direct opposition to U.S. Policy and their belief that the U.S. Was involved in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
BREAKING: Protests erupt in Pakistan following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reports of clashes with police and attempts to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. https://t.co/example
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Security Alert Issued by U.S. Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan issued a security alert on March 1, 2026, advising U.S. Citizens to avoid areas with protests and to exercise increased caution. The alert, published on the embassy’s website, acknowledged the ongoing demonstrations and the potential for further violence. The embassy has not yet commented on the extent of any damage to the consulate in Karachi.
Differing Casualty Reports
Initial reports regarding the number of fatalities varied. While Al Jazeera initially reported at least 10 deaths, the Associated Press later reported at least 22 people killed across Pakistan. The discrepancy may be due to ongoing difficulties in confirming information from the affected areas. The total number of injured is also fluctuating as hospitals continue to treat those wounded in the clashes.
The protests in Pakistan are a stark reminder of the deep-seated emotions surrounding the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal statement beyond the security alert. Authorities in Pakistan are expected to provide further updates on the situation in the coming hours. The next confirmed checkpoint will be a press conference scheduled for tomorrow morning by Pakistani officials detailing the investigation into the violence and the measures being taken to prevent further unrest.
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