US pulls diplomatic staff from Karachi, Lahore amid pro-Iran protests in Pakistan

The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan, citing safety risks. This decision follows protests in Pakistan against US-Israeli strikes on Iran, during which demonstrators attempted to storm the Karachi consulate. US Marines reportedly opened fire on protesters during the Karachi incident, though it remains unclear if anyone was struck. The State Department also authorized the voluntary departure of staff from US missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and Oman. The US embassy in Islamabad remains open.

On Sunday, at least ten pro-Iranian protesters were killed in Karachi, Pakistan, during clashes with police. The protesters were attempting to storm the US consulate when security forces opened fire. Thirty-four people were also reported injured, with some in serious condition. The demonstration was reportedly organized to condemn the alleged killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated attacks by the US and Israel. Hundreds of people gathered at the consulate to protest the alleged attacks.

Following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran on March 1, 2026, protests erupted across Pakistan on March 2. At least 20 people were killed and dozens wounded as demonstrations, largely led by Shia Muslims, escalated in cities including Karachi, Skardu, and Islamabad. Protesters chanted slogans against the US and Israel, calling for revenge. The Pakistani government has condemned the US-Israeli military action against Iran, as well as Iran's subsequent attacks on Gulf nations. Demonstrators in Islamabad gathered near the Red Zone, a fortified district housing government offices and foreign embassies, expressing solidarity with Iran.

Protests erupted across Pakistan, resulting in at least 22 deaths, as regional tensions escalated. Demonstrators in Karachi attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. These events occurred amidst heightened concerns among Iran's neighboring countries about potential regional conflict and its consequences. The protests and violence reflect growing instability in the region as nations brace for potential fallout. The specific reasons for the Karachi consulate being targeted were not detailed in the provided information.

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, at least six people were killed in Karachi, Pakistan, during clashes between police and hundreds of Shiite protesters. The protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations also occurred in Lahore, where Shiite Muslims mourned Khamenei's death and protested against the U.S. and Israel, who they blame for his death. Protesters blocked roads, set tires on fire, and burned at least one car near the consulate. Paramilitary soldiers were deployed to secure the U.S. Consulate following the breach.

On March 1, 2026, at least nine people were killed in Karachi, Pakistan, during a pro-Iran protest at the U.S. consulate. The protest was triggered by the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in alleged joint US-Israeli strikes. Security forces opened fire on hundreds of protesters attempting to storm the consulate. Demonstrations also occurred in other Pakistani cities; in Skardu, protesters burned down a United Nations office building, while in Lahore, protesters gathered outside the U.S. consulate. While there were no reported casualties in Skardu, the situation in Karachi resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.