Pakistan’s diplomatic tightrope after Khamenei’s death: Protests, alliances and regional impact

Why Pakistan is angered by Khamenei’s death: diplomatic ties, protests and regional pressures

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, which resulted from the US-Israel joint operations referred to as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion.

The strikes targeted multiple Iranian locations, including Tehran, nuclear facilities, and command infrastructure, resulting in Khamenei’s confirmed death along with other senior officials.

Sharif said on Sunday that his government and the people of Pakistan “join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei."

Khamenei killing a ‘violation’ of international law

The Pakistani Prime Minister called the killing a “violation” of international law. He wrote on social media: “The people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom” of Khamenei. He further added, “Pakistan also expresses concern over violation of the norms of international law.”

Protests erupt across Pakistan

Following Khamenei’s death, large-scale protests erupted in Pakistani cities. Demonstrators took to the streets in Karachi, Lahore, and other cities to express solidarity with Iran.

Violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Karachi left at least nine people dead and over 50 wounded, as pro-Iran demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. In northern Pakistan, protesters also targeted U.N. and government offices. Police reported that at least 25 individuals were critically wounded during the clashes.

Pakistan’s delicate balancing act

Although Pakistan is not a direct participant in the conflict, the country occupies a sensitive position due to its ties with both the United States and Iran. While condemning the US-Israel strikes on Iran as “unwarranted attacks,” Pakistan also criticized Iran’s retaliatory strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, calling them “blatant violations of sovereignty.”

Prime Minister Sharif telephoned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to pledge “full solidarity” and reaffirm the terms of Pakistan’s mutual defense pact, highlighting the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE amid the attacks.

Strategic and historical ties with Iran

Pakistan shares historical, cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties with Iran, maintaining bilateral engagement on regional issues. Iran has publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s support during past crises, reflecting traditionally friendly relations.

Pakistan’s foreign and economic strategies also involve leveraging its untapped mineral reserves in Balochistan as part of broader global supply chain discussions, alongside maintaining security and counterterrorism cooperation with the United States.

Domestic concerns for Pakistan

A direct military confrontation with Iran poses extreme risks due to the long, volatile border shared by the two nations. Conflict could ignite internal sectarian tensions within Pakistan, compounded by ongoing pro-Iran protests across major cities. These demonstrations have made it politically and socially difficult for Pakistan to take direct action against Iran.

Protests and security risks

The US Consulate in Karachi became a flashpoint as violent demonstrations escalated. Authorities reported casualties, hospitalizations, and critical injuries during the clashes, reflecting the growing domestic unrest in response to the Iran-Israel conflict and the killing of Khamenei.

Pakistan continues to navigate a complex diplomatic path amid the escalating Middle East crisis. Balancing ties with the US, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, while managing domestic unrest, remains a key challenge for Islamabad as the region faces increasing instability.