Hemani Kandhari
March 1, 2026 : At least nine people lost their lives in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, after clashes broke out near the United States consulate during demonstrations sparked by the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli strikes.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the consulate early Sunday and attempted to breach the compound. Security personnel responded with gunfire to disperse the crowd, leaving multiple others wounded,killing at least 10 people. .
According to news agencies, 36 others were wounded after police and paramilitary forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The unrest spread across the country. In Skardu, situated in the Shia-majority region of Gilgit-Baltistan, protesters set fire to a United Nations office building. The mountainous area is known for its scenic Himalayan landscapes.
In Lahore, hundreds also assembled outside the US consulate. While some attempted to damage a security gate located some distance from the facility, police prevented any breach without using force, and no injuries were reported.
Further demonstrations were seen near the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad, home to the US embassy.
Protests linked to Khamenei’s killing were also reported in some islamic countries and countries with Shia majority.
