Hundreds of demonstrators attempted to storm the diplomatic compound following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, with some breaching the main gate and damaging property before being dispersed.
BY PC Bureau
March 1, 2026: At least eight people were killed during pro-Iran protests outside the United States consulate in Karachi on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Edhi Foundation told AFP.
“We have transported at least eight bodies to civil hospitals in Karachi, and around 20 others were injured in the consulate incident,” said rescue official Muhammad Amin, noting that most of the victims had suffered gunshot wounds.
The unrest followed recent U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, with hundreds of demonstrators attempting to storm the consular compound. Witnesses said a group of young protesters climbed over the main gate, entered the driveway area, and smashed windows on the building before security forces intervened.
Police deployed tear gas and reportedly opened fire as clashes intensified, eventually dispersing the crowd. Videos circulating on social media showed individuals breaking windows of the main consulate building while the American flag remained visible above the heavily fortified compound, which is surrounded by barbed wire and concrete barricades. Security in the area had reportedly been heightened earlier in the day amid fears of unrest.
Video of US Marines opening fire on protesters storming the US consulate in Karachi, killing 8. pic.twitter.com/QgLUK9SI7B
— Navroop Singh (@TheNavroopSingh) March 1, 2026
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One protester was quoted by AFP as saying the group intended to set the consulate ablaze in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s leader.
Officials have not yet clarified who fired the live rounds that caused the fatalities, and authorities said an investigation is underway. The U.S. mission has not issued a detailed public statement on the incident but is believed to be reviewing security protocols in coordination with Pakistani authorities.
Demonstrations have also spread to other cities, including Lahore and Skardu. A separate protest is expected later in the day near the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad, where the U.S. embassy is located. Police in several cities have been placed on high alert as tensions continue to rise.
