10 killed in Karachi as pro-Iran protests erupt across Pakistan, India
South China Morning Post
by BloombergMarch 2, 2026
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Pro-Iranian protesters clashed with security forces in Karachi, Pakistan's main port city, leaving at least 10 dead and 34 injured as they attempted to storm the US consulate. The violence erupted following reports of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being killed in coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel. Security forces responded with gunfire to prevent the protesters from breaching the consulate gates, according to Sukhdew Assardas Hamnani, a spokesperson for the Sindh government. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation, a local rescue service, reported that several injured individuals were in serious condition, suggesting the death toll could rise further.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate in Karachi on Sunday morning to express their outrage over Khamenei’s killing. Local media outlets highlighted the growing tensions and the spontaneous outpouring of anger across Pakistan and India, with similar protests erupting in other regions. The situation escalated rapidly as the crowd attempted to breach the consulate, leading to a violent confrontation with police. The Sindh government spokesperson confirmed that law enforcement had regained control of the area, but not before at least 10 protesters were killed.
This incident underscores the volatile regional dynamics and deep-seated anti-American sentiments in Pakistan, particularly among pro-Iranian groups. The death of Khamenei, a revered figure in Iran and beyond, has triggered widespread grief and condemnation, with protests extending beyond Karachi to other parts of Pakistan and neighboring countries like India. The clash in Karachi highlights the potential for further escalations in US-Iran tensions and the risks of regional instability.
For readers interested in global affairs, this incident sheds light on the delicate balance of power in South Asia and the ongoing conflicts between major powers like the United States and Iran. It also raises questions about the safety of diplomatic missions in Pakistan and the potential for similar protests elsewhere. As international relations continue to tighten, events like these serve as
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/2/2026