Violent Protests In Karachi Following Assassination Of Khamenei

On March 1, 2026, tensions escalated dramatically following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by a U.S. and Israeli airstrike, leading to violent protests across Pakistan. In Karachi, at least 10 people were killed and over 30 injured during clashes with law enforcement outside the U.S. Consulate, where demonstrators attempted to storm the premises. The protests erupted shortly after Khamenei's death was confirmed, with reports indicating that hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and baton charges. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the violence, stating, 'Peaceful protest is everyone’s right, but vandalism under the guise of protest will not be tolerated.' Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert for American citizens, advising them to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid areas of large gatherings as protests continue in major cities, including Lahore and Islamabad, where Section 144 has been imposed to maintain order.