Pakistan on High Alert After Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Islamabad: Pakistan has been plunged into heightened security alert following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, triggering widespread unrest across the country.

Large-scale protests led by members of the Shia community have erupted in several regions, prompting authorities to issue high-level security advisories. Demonstrations have spread from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders nationwide. Curfews have been enforced in sensitive areas amid fears of escalating violence. In Karachi, police action against rioters has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 22 people.

Amid the rapidly deteriorating situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir cancelled their previously scheduled visit to Russia, which was planned from March 2 to 5. High-level security meetings were convened under the Prime Minister’s chairmanship, while General Munir held a confidential meeting with senior commanders at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The armed forces, including the navy and air force, have been instructed to remain on heightened alert.

Security concerns are further compounded by Pakistan’s 909-kilometre border with Iran, where tensions are rising. While Islamabad has shown no indication of directly entering into a conflict in support of Tehran, it faces a delicate balancing act given its strategic ties with the United States. Authorities have reportedly taken firm action against attacks targeting US-linked facilities within Pakistan, wary that such incidents could spiral into broader internal unrest.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing border tensions with Afghanistan and instability along the Line of Control with India. Internally, Pakistan continues to grapple with security threats from groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch insurgent outfits.

Analysts warn that intensified Israeli and US military actions against Iran, particularly in the Sistan-Baluchestan province, could fuel instability that may spill over into Pakistan’s Balochistan region, potentially strengthening separatist sentiments. With the country already facing economic challenges and deep political polarisation, the fallout from Khamenei’s killing presents Islamabad with a complex and evolving crisis.

Regional observers caution that the coming days will be critical in determining whether Pakistan can contain internal unrest while navigating the broader geopolitical turbulence unfolding across the region.