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US Warns Citizens in Pakistan Amid Deadly Protests at Consulates

The US Embassy in Islamabad is monitoring protests at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, advising American citizens to observe strict security practices. In Karachi, clashes between protesters and law enforcement near the US Consulate resulted in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries. Separately, in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, intense protests led to a curfew after UN observer offices and other buildings were set on fire. The protests erupted following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader in reported US-Israeli airstrikes.

Key Points: US Advises Citizens in Pakistan as Protests Turn Deadly

  • Protests near US consulates in Karachi & Lahore
  • 9 killed in Karachi clashes
  • Curfew imposed in Skardu district
  • UN observer offices set on fire
  • US citizens advised heightened security
3 min read

US advises its citizens in Pakistan to observe security practices as protests erupt near consulates

US Embassy monitors violent protests near consulates in Pakistan, advises security precautions after clashes leave 9 dead in Karachi.

"We advise US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and observe good personal security practices. - US Embassy in Islamabad"

Islamabad, March 1

The US Embassy in Islamabad said on Sunday that it is monitoring reports of protests at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore and calls for demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and Consulate General Peshawar, as it advised US citizens in the country to monitor local news and observe good personal security practices.

In a statement shared on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad said: "We are monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for additional demonstrations at U.S. Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Peshawar."

"We advise US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and observe good personal security practices, including being aware of your surroundings, avoiding large crowds, and ensuring your STEP registration is up to date," it added.

Nine people were killed in Karachi on Sunday after protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel near the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road as protests erupted in Pakistan against the US and Israel's attacks on Iran, according to a hospital official, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. The protests were held after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

Speaking to Dawn, Executive Director of Civil Hospital Karachi's (CHK) SMBB Institute of Trauma, Mohammad Sabir Memon, stated that nine people had died and 34 others were injured in the wake of protests near the consulate.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed stated that nine people died during the protests. Dr Syed said that seven people were shifted to the Aga Khan University Hospital and the Fatimid Foundation, while the remaining were at CHK's trauma centre. Earlier, she mentioned that two injured police personnel were among those who were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for treatment.

Separately, curfew was imposed in the Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan after protests intensified in the region following Khamenei's killing. Protesters in the Skardu and Gilgit regions of PoGB set on fire the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), the Dawn reported.

The protesters also set a school, the office of the superintendent of police, and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office on fire. The PoGB police announced that a curfew has been imposed in Skardu.

Pakistan Army had been called in under Section 245 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), noting that UNMOGIP offices in Skardu and Gilgit were set on fire. It further mentioned that no casualties were reported during the protests.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from India, this is concerning. Burning UN offices and schools? That's crossing a line. Protests should be peaceful. The instability in our neighbourhood always has ripple effects. Hope Indian nationals in the region are also staying safe and following advisories.
R
Rohit P
The report mentions PoGB (Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan). It's important to remember that region is historically and legally a part of India. The protests and violence there are a result of the illegal occupation and poor governance. The world should take note.
A
Ananya R
So many young people probably caught in this violence. It's always the common citizen who suffers. The US-Israel action in Iran has triggered this, but the reaction seems misdirected. Attacking consulates and UN buildings helps no one. Feel terrible for the families of the deceased.
K
Karthik V
While the advisory is for US citizens, it's a stark reminder of the security situation. India has always advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. This escalation shows what happens when that path is abandoned. Our MEA must be monitoring this closely.
P
Priya S
The loss of life is unacceptable. However, I respectfully disagree with the framing that only US-Israeli strikes are to blame. The article states protests erupted *against* US and Israel, but the violent turn, burning institutions and killing people, is the responsibility of those on the ground. The reaction is disproportionate.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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