• Pakistan invokes military presence and curfews in response to protests over Khamenei's killing.
• At least 24 fatalities reported from violent demonstrations across major cities.
• Increased security around U.S. diplomatic missions amid rising tensions.
• The Pakistan Stock Exchange experiences a significant drop of nearly 10% amid unrest.

In the wake of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, Pakistan deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew in northern cities, notably Gilgit and Skardu. This decision followed violent protests claiming at least 24 lives, with many more injured as Shiite demonstrators clashed with security forces. Local authorities enforced the curfew after demonstrators vandalized multiple properties, including the offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group and a police station, prompting officials to bolster security in sensitive areas, including around U.S. diplomatic missions across the country, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

Authorities revealed that at least 12 individuals died in clashes in Gilgit, while incidents in Karachi resulted in further fatalities, including police engagement when protesters tried to storm the U.S. consulate. Videos shared among news sources depicted significant chaos as demonstrators burned properties and attacked government buildings. Shabir Mir, a spokesman for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, guaranteed that the situation was being managed with the curfew extended until Wednesday, indicating a focus on restoring order, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, sharp declines in financial markets were observed, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange plummeting nearly 10%, as investor concerns about geopolitical stability escalated amid ongoing unrest. Analysts attribute this downturn to the political and social turmoil following the deadly airstrikes in Iran, further exacerbated by the specific targeting of Shiite populations in Pakistan. This unrest underscores the deepening grievances among Iranian-aligned groups, particularly in northern regions, as reported by Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times, and South China Morning Post.