Pakistan calls troops, orders 3-day curfew as 24 killed in pro-Iran rallies
Al Jazeera
March 2, 2026
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Pakistan has deployed its military and imposed a three-day curfew in parts of the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region following violent protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The clashes, which occurred across the country, resulted in at least 24 deaths and dozens of injuries. In the districts of Gilgit, Skurdu, and Shigar, 12 protesters and one security officer were killed, with hundreds more injured during confrontations.
The violence escalated as thousands of demonstrators attacked offices of international organizations, including the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the UN Development Programme in Skardu. Protesters also targeted local government buildings and installations, leading to widespread damage. In Karachi, the commercial hub, 10 people were killed and over 60 injured during a protest outside the US consulate, while two additional protesters died in Islamabad near the US embassy.
Pakistani authorities have significantly increased security around American diplomatic missions, including the US consulate in Peshawar, following the cancellations of visa appointments and American Citizen Services due to security concerns. The federal government warned that the situation could further deteriorate as large-scale demonstrations continue to condemn Khamenei’s killing. Meanwhile, Tehran has responded with retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Israel and US assets in the Gulf.
The curfew was imposed to restore order amid deteriorating law and order conditions, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors until Wednesday. The situation highlights the broader regional tensions and the potential impact on US-Pakistan relations, as well as the ongoing instability in the region following Iran’s leadership change.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/2/2026