The United States has directed non-emergency government employees and family members stationed at its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to depart Pakistan due to security concerns, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
In a statement, the United States Embassy in Pakistan said the United States Department of State had ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the two consulates. The embassy clarified that there has been no change in the operational status of its main diplomatic mission in Islamabad.
The move comes amid escalating protests across Pakistan following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike. The incident has triggered widespread demonstrations in multiple Pakistani cities, with reports indicating that at least 23 people have lost their lives in the ensuing unrest.
Amid the volatile situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi announced the cancellation of all visa appointments through March 6. In a post on X, the embassy stated that due to the prevailing security environment, all scheduled visa services had been suspended until further notice.
The US Consulate General in Peshawar also temporarily halted operations from Monday following protests near diplomatic premises, according to Pakistan’s leading daily The Express Tribune. Additionally, all visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2 at the embassy and consulates were cancelled after demonstrators gathered near diplomatic facilities.
A security alert issued by US authorities on March 1 warned of ongoing demonstrations near the Lahore and Karachi consulates, as well as possible protests outside the Islamabad embassy and the Peshawar consulate. US personnel were instructed to restrict movement, while American citizens in Pakistan were advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, monitor local media, and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration is current.
In Karachi, protesters reportedly gathered outside the US consulate, with witnesses claiming gunfire was heard in the vicinity. In Lahore, hundreds assembled near the consulate, and clashes erupted after police used tear gas to disperse crowds. In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march toward the US embassy despite roadblocks and heightened security deployment.
Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, while major roads in Karachi remained closed for a third consecutive day.
The US Embassy stated that normal operations would resume once the security situation stabilises and urged American citizens to exercise caution during this period of unrest.
