US consulate shut, visa services halted after violent protests in Pakistan

Violent protests linked to the Iran conflict and the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have disrupted US diplomatic operations across Pakistan, forcing the temporary closure of the American consulate in Peshawar and suspending visa and citizen services in other major cities.

The US mission in Pakistan said the Consulate General in Peshawar suspended operations from 2 March, while appointments at the Karachi and Lahore consulates were cancelled due to ongoing demonstrations, road blockages and security restrictions around US offices.

CONSULAR SERVICES HIT IN MULTIPLE CITIES

“Effective March 2, the US Consulate General in Peshawar has temporarily suspended operations,” the mission said in a security alert. It added that traffic diversions and disruptions around the Karachi and Lahore consulates had forced cancellation of all visa and American Citizen Services appointments on 3 March.

The US Embassy in Islamabad remains open and “will continue to provide all routine or emergency consular services for US citizens”, the alert said. Embassy officials said normal consular operations in Islamabad are expected to continue from Tuesday.

The mission also said movements of US government personnel across Pakistan have been restricted as a precaution during the protests.

US urged its citizens in Pakistan to stay alert and avoid demonstrations. The advisory told US nationals to keep a low profile, carry identification and follow instructions from local authorities.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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