At least nine people were killed and more than two dozen injured after violent clashes erupted outside the United States Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on 1 March 2026, according to Pakistani officials and hospital sources.
Hundreds of protesters gathered near the diplomatic compound following the reported killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, in a joint US-Israeli strike.
Many demonstrators, including members of Pakistan’s Shiite community, voiced anger over the attack and attempted to move toward the heavily secured consulate perimeter.
Police and paramilitary forces responded with tear gas and live fire as clashes intensified. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as protesters hurled stones and damaged property, while security forces worked to push crowds back from the compound. Authorities later confirmed multiple fatalities and said dozens of people were being treated for injuries at local hospitals.
Security was reinforced around diplomatic missions in Karachi following the unrest. Officials urged calm and warned against further violence as tensions continue to ripple across the region amid escalating geopolitical hostilities.
