U.S. Orders Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Consulates in Lahore, Karachi Amid Protests in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and family members at its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan, citing safety concerns as protests spread across the country.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said the State Department directed the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the two consulates. The embassy noted that the status of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad remains unchanged.

The move comes amid escalating unrest across Pakistan following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, an event that has triggered widespread demonstrations in several Pakistani cities.

Reports indicate that at least 23 people have been killed as protests erupted across the country after news of Khamenei’s death.

Amid the security concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi announced Tuesday that visa appointments would be canceled through March 6.

“Due to the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6,” the embassy said in a statement posted on X.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar also temporarily halted operations beginning Monday after protests were reported near diplomatic premises, according to Pakistan’s Express Tribune newspaper.

Earlier this week, all visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2 at the embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore were canceled after demonstrators gathered near the facilities.

A U.S. security alert issued March 1 warned of ongoing demonstrations near the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, as well as possible protests outside the embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar.

U.S. personnel in the country were instructed to restrict their movements, while American citizens were advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, monitor local news and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration is up to date.

In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire in the surrounding area.

In Lahore, hundreds of protesters assembled near the consulate, with clashes reported after police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march toward the U.S. Embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security deployment.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad imposed Section 144, which bans public gatherings and rallies, while several major roads in Karachi remained closed for the third consecutive day amid security concerns.

The U.S. Embassy said normal operations would resume once the situation stabilizes and urged American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution. (Source: IANS)