Violent protests erupted across Pakistan on March 1, 2026, leaving at least 20 people dead and dozens wounded after confirmed United States and Israeli air strikes on Tehran killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident was reported by Al Jazeera, which said demonstrations led largely by Pakistan’s Shia Muslim community turned deadly as security forces clashed with crowds.
Authorities said security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets, with reports indicating live rounds were also fired in some areas. The death toll included 10 people in Karachi, at least eight in Skardu, and two in Islamabad, with dozens more injured nationwide.
Pakistan’s Shia community makes up more than 20 percent of the country’s population of over 250 million, and protests were reported in several major cities. Roads were blocked near diplomatic zones and government buildings as tensions escalated throughout the day.
The protests escalated quickly across multiple cities
Karachi saw some of the most severe confrontations as hundreds gathered near US diplomatic facilities on Mai Kolachi Road. A group of protesters scaled an outer gate, entered the compound driveway, and smashed windows before security forces dispersed the crowd with tear gas and gunfire, amid Operation Epic Fury off ramps.
Police surgeon Summaiya Syed said at least 10 people were killed and 60 injured in the Karachi clashes. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called the incident “extremely tragic,” ordered an investigation, and expressed solidarity with Iran.
In Islamabad, thousands gathered near the fortified Red Zone, which houses parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Protesters chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, while authorities sealed roads leading into the area and responded with tear gas and rubber bullets when crowds attempted to push forward.
Officials at the government-run Poly Clinic said they received at least two bodies and treated 35 injured individuals. Demonstrators said they had intended to mourn Khamenei’s death but were met with force when they approached restricted areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, at least eight people were reported killed in Skardu after protesters set fire to offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. Authorities imposed a three-day curfew as tensions remained high after Dubai landmark strike targets.
Lahore also saw crowds gather outside the US Embassy, and police used tear gas to disperse those attempting to breach security. No deaths were reported there, though protests were also recorded in Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad.
Pakistan’s government condemned the joint US-Israel strike that killed Khamenei while also criticizing Iran’s subsequent attacks on Gulf nations. Officials urged restraint and called for diplomacy as security forces remained deployed across major cities.
Published: Mar 2, 2026 05:00 am