Karachi, March 1, 2026: At least nine people were killed and more than 18 others injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted between police and protesters outside the United States Consulate in Karachi, following demonstrations against recent US and Israeli strikes that reportedly martyred Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to hospital officials and rescue services, the confrontation turned deadly when demonstrators attempted to march toward the consulate premises on Mai Kolachi Road, prompting law enforcement agencies to respond with teargas shelling and baton charge to disperse the crowd.
Casualties and Medical Response
Officials from the Edhi Ambulance Service said that six bodies and at least 10 injured persons were initially shifted from MT Khan Road to Civil Hospital Karachi. Later, hospital authorities confirmed that eight bodies and over 20 injured individuals were brought to the hospital’s trauma center.
Head of the Trauma Centre, Dr Sabir Memon, confirmed that several victims had suffered injuries due to firing, baton charge, and stampede. One of the critically injured later succumbed to his wounds, raising the death toll to nine. Rescue officials stated that at least 10 protesters remain in critical condition.
Protest Turns Violent
Eyewitnesses said hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate, chanting slogans and attempting to advance toward the highly secured premises. Some demonstrators reportedly pelted stones and tried to damage security barriers, leading police to take action to restore order.
Security forces used teargas and forceful dispersal tactics to control the escalating situation. The confrontation caused panic in the area, triggering a stampede that further contributed to injuries.
Traffic Disruptions Across the Area
Due to the protest and subsequent clashes, traffic movement in the area was severely disrupted. Authorities blocked roads from Sultanabad towards Mai Kolachi, causing massive congestion.
Karachi Traffic Police announced multiple diversions. Vehicles coming from Jinnah Bridge were redirected to II Chundrigar Road, traffic from Boat Basin was given U-turns at Mai Kolachi Phatak, and vehicles approaching from PIDC were sent back, further intensifying traffic pressure across central Karachi.
Government Response and Security Measures
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took immediate notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Additional Inspector General of Police (Karachi). In a statement, he warned that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands and directed authorities to tighten security at all sensitive installations across Sindh.
Lanjar emphasized that strict action would be taken against elements found responsible for disturbing law and order, adding that investigations into the incident are underway.
Protests in Other Cities
The unrest extended beyond Karachi, with Islamabad authorities sealing all roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses key diplomatic missions and parliament, as a precautionary measure.
In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate. However, no violent incidents were reported, and police managed to prevent demonstrators from approaching the premises without resorting to force.
Meanwhile, pro-Iranian protesters also staged demonstrations outside the Green Zone in Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located, reflecting widespread regional anger over recent developments.
Situation Under Control
Law enforcement agencies said the situation in Karachi was eventually brought under control after dispersing the crowd. Security has since been heightened across sensitive locations, and authorities remain on high alert to prevent further unrest.