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US Embassy Restricts Staff Movement Amid Pakistan Religious Processions

The US Embassy in Pakistan has issued a security alert restricting the movement of all US personnel ahead of planned large-scale religious processions across the country. It advises US citizens to avoid large gatherings due to the potential for violence and significant disruptions, including traffic delays and network issues. The alert follows violent protests in several cities, including Karachi and Islamabad, reportedly linked to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. Consular services in Lahore and Karachi remain suspended as authorities monitor the evolving situation.

Key Points: US Embassy Security Alert for Pakistan Religious Processions

  • US restricts staff movement
  • Advises citizens to avoid crowds
  • Processions may cause major disruptions
  • Violent protests reported in multiple cities
3 min read

Pakistan: US Embassy issues security alert ahead of planned large-scale religious processions across country

US Embassy restricts personnel movement and cancels visa appointments in Pakistan ahead of large-scale religious processions, citing security concerns.

"We advise U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings. - US Embassy Statement"

Islamabad, March 10

The US Embassy in Pakistan issued a security alert ahead of the planned large-scale religious processions across the country, noting that the movement of all US personnel will be restricted beginning Tuesday, 12 PM.

In an official statement, it said, "The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulates General in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar are monitoring planned large-scale religious processions across Pakistan. Beginning March 10 at 12:00 p.m., the movements of all U.S. personnel will be restricted."

The statement added, "Large crowds and traffic congestion are expected, along with a precautionary security presence, an increased number of checkpoints, and associated disruptions to local mobile and internet networks in the region. Processions may cause traffic delays/detours due to closed or blocked roads in the vicinity of the event. The likelihood, duration and severity of any associated protests is unknown. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings. Large rallies, processions, and protests can be fluid in nature and even peaceful mass events can turn violent."

The statement further noted that the US Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi continue to suspend all consular services, while the US Embassy in Islamabad continues to provide services to US citizens. It mentioned that individuals with scheduled appointments will be contacted if there are changes to their appointment dates.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Islamabad announced the cancellation of all visa appointments through Friday, March 6, citing the current security situation, amidst the ongoing Iranian protests for the death of the Supreme Leader Ayotallah Khamenei.

In a post on X, the embassy said, " 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 advisory applies to the US Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi as well, as authorities monitor evolving situations in the country.

Previously, The Dawn reported that 10 people were killed in Karachi and two in Islamabad as protests erupted countrywide against the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks.

The Pakistani law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton-charge to control the situation. Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) was also implemented across Sindh. Section 144 of the PPC deals with "joining an unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapons".

The protests across Gilgit-Baltistan had intensified over the attack on Iran and the killing of Khamenei, with violent clashes leaving seven demonstrators dead and several others injured.

In Gilgit and Skardu, angry protestors set fire to local offices of the United Nations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Gilgit.

In Skardu, the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and several government buildings were also torched during the unrest. As a result of firing on the protesters, seven demonstrators were killed, and more than a dozen others were injured.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad to read about the loss of life, no matter where it happens. Setting fire to UN offices is shocking. Hope peace returns soon for the sake of the common people there.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions protests over the death of an Iranian leader turning violent in Pakistan. It's a complex region. This instability is why strong border management is so crucial for India.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in development, attacking UNDP offices is counterproductive. Those agencies often help the most vulnerable. The security alert from the US seems like a very prudent step.
R
Rohit P
While the situation is serious, I hope our media reports on this with sensitivity and doesn't use it to stoke unnecessary fear or prejudice here. Let's focus on our own security preparedness.
K
Karthik V
The advisory is specific and detailed. It shows how quickly things can escalate. When foreign missions start shutting services and restricting movement, it's a major red flag. Hope Indian nationals there are safe.

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