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KARACHI: Protests erupted in Karachi after reports of Ali Khamenei’s assassination, leaving seven dead and 12 injured near the US consulate amid escalating violence and heightened security.
Reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s assassination triggered violent protests in Karachi on Sunday, as demonstrators attacked diplomatic property and clashed with security forces. Authorities confirmed seven people were killed and 12 injured during unrest near the United States Consulate General Karachi.
Protest held outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. pic.twitter.com/tC1GFAU4rr
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) March 1, 2026
Police said firing erupted near Mai Kolachi Road, close to the consulate’s perimeter. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and chaotic scenes as protesters advanced toward the compound. Some demonstrators hurled stones and set fires outside secured zones. Officials did not immediately clarify who opened fire. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Crowds first gathered at key intersections across the metropolis. Large numbers assembled at Numaish Chowrangi, Abbas Town and Tower, blocking traffic and chanting slogans. Protesters later marched toward the diplomatic enclave despite heavy security deployment.
Law enforcement agencies erected barricades along main arteries. Rangers and additional police units were called in to control the situation. Officials said tear gas was used to disperse violent elements. Mobile networks slowed in certain districts amid security concerns.
The administration urged residents to remain indoors and avoid rumor-mongering. Authorities said investigations were underway into the firing incident. No official confirmation emerged regarding the reported assassination at the time of filing. Iranian state media had not issued a verified statement.
Karachi has witnessed diplomatic protests in the past. The port city hosts several foreign missions and remains Pakistan’s commercial hub. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Karachi contributes a significant share of national tax revenues and industrial output. Its population exceeds 20 million, making crowd control complex during political unrest.
Security around foreign missions has remained tight since past regional tensions. In 2012, violent demonstrations erupted across Pakistan over controversial international events, leading to attacks on diplomatic compounds. Authorities subsequently strengthened the security architecture around sensitive installations. Concrete barriers and restricted zones were introduced in high-risk areas.
Pakistan maintains diplomatic ties with both Iran and the United States. The country shares a 900-kilometer border with Iran and relies on cross-border trade. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, bilateral trade with Iran remains modest due to sanctions constraints. Meanwhile, the United States remains one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations, particularly for textiles.
Analysts warned that misinformation can rapidly inflame public sentiment. Social media platforms amplified unverified claims regarding Ali Khamenei’s status within hours. Security officials monitored online channels for incitement. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has previously acted to curb inflammatory digital content during crises.
The Foreign Office did not immediately comment on the situation. Diplomatic sources said coordination continued with mission staff to ensure safety. The US consulate had earlier issued routine security advisories for its personnel. No American officials were reported injured in Sunday’s unrest.
Healthcare officials confirmed seven fatalities from gunshot wounds. Twelve injured individuals were undergoing surgery or emergency care. Hospital administrators appealed for blood donations amid the sudden influx of casualties. Ambulance services faced delays due to blocked roads and burning debris.
Business activity slowed across central districts. Traders shuttered shops near protest sites. Public transport services were partially suspended. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has often warned that prolonged unrest disrupts supply chains and daily wage earners’ incomes.
Pakistan’s interior ministry has emphasized zero tolerance for attacks on diplomatic missions. Under international law, host governments are obligated to protect foreign premises. Any breach carries diplomatic repercussions. Security experts said swift containment would be critical to avoid escalation.
Regional tensions have fluctuated in recent years. Iran’s political developments often resonate strongly among segments of Pakistan’s population. Religious and ideological affinities can quickly translate into street mobilization. Authorities typically deploy preemptive security during sensitive geopolitical events.
The current unrest also comes amid broader economic challenges. Pakistan is navigating fiscal consolidation under an International Monetary Fund program. According to the IMF’s latest review, maintaining stability remains crucial for economic recovery. Market analysts said prolonged instability in Karachi could dent investor sentiment.
Traffic police diverted vehicles away from main arteries leading to the diplomatic enclave. Containers were placed at strategic junctions. Security helicopters were seen hovering over affected neighborhoods. Officials maintained that the situation was gradually coming under control by late evening.
Eyewitnesses described panic as shots rang out near the consulate’s outer gates. Some protesters scattered into adjoining streets. Others regrouped and continued chanting slogans. Law enforcement sealed surrounding roads to prevent further approach.
Authorities reiterated that information regarding Ali Khamenei must come from verified official channels. They cautioned against sharing unconfirmed reports. Religious scholars appealed for calm and restraint. Community leaders urged dialogue over confrontation.
By nightfall, security forces maintained a heavy presence around sensitive installations. Cleanup operations began in parts of the city. Burnt debris and damaged vehicles remained visible near protest hotspots. Investigators collected evidence to determine responsibility for the firing.
The developments placed Pakistan’s diplomatic balancing act under scrutiny. Observers said careful messaging would be required to manage bilateral ties. Economic and security stakes remain significant for Islamabad. Stability in Karachi remains central to national commercial activity.
Authorities said further updates would follow pending confirmation about Ali Khamenei. Officials stressed that safeguarding diplomatic missions remains a constitutional responsibility. The unfolding situation in Karachi underscored how swiftly regional events linked to Ali Khamenei can reverberate across Pakistan’s largest city.
