US to Close Peshawar Consulate in Pakistan Over Safety Fears for Diplomats

"The U.S. Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management," the department said in a statement.

The statement added that while the physical presence in Peshawar is being reduced, the US will continue to engage meaningfully with stakeholders in Pakistan to "advance the interests of the American people".

"While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration's policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast. We will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people," it said.

The department further stated that its embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Lahore and Karachi will remain active.

The development comes after unrest in Pakistan on March 1, which followed Israeli-US strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At least nine people died after clashes between protesters and Pakistani law enforcement personnel near the US Consulate in Karachi, Dawn News reported.

Later, on March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and family members from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks.

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, the department also warned of possible drone and missile attacks from Iran, along with disruptions to commercial flights.

The advisory also noted a risk of terrorist violence in Pakistan. It said violent extremist groups have carried out attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA region, though incidents have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad.

"Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings," the US state department's prior statement noted.

- ANI