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US Embassy Cancels Services in Pakistan After Deadly Protests at Consulates

The US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore cancelled all visa and citizen services following violent protests. The demonstrations, led by Shia community members, were triggered by the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader in US-Israel strikes. At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across Pakistan, including outside the US consulate in Karachi. Protesters also set fire to a UN office in Skardu, leading to a curfew and deployment of the Pakistan Army.

Key Points: US Embassy Cancels Visa Services After Pakistan Protests

  • Visa services suspended
  • Violent protests at US consulates
  • At least 23 protesters killed
  • UN office set on fire
  • Curfew imposed in Skardu
2 min read

US Embassy in Pakistan cancels visa appointments, other services after attacks on its consulates

US Embassy in Islamabad cancels all visa appointments after violent protests at consulates in Karachi and Lahore leave multiple dead.

"All appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services are cancelled for today - US Embassy"

Islamabad, March 2

The US Embassy in Islamabad on Monday announced that visa appointments, as well as American Citizens Services, have been cancelled for the day following the violent protests that unfolded the previous day.

In a post on X, the US Embassy said, "All appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services are cancelled for today, March 2, at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore."

Violent protests took place outside the US Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore, and calls for demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and Consulate General Peshawar were also made on Sunday.

This came as the members of the Shia community came out in large numbers to demonstrate against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in the joint US-Israel strikes.

The US Embassy has also advised American citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and observe good personal security practices.

Meanwhile, at least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across Pakistan, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, and 11 people in the Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, where the crowd torched a UN office, while two were killed in Islamabad, reports leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.

Visuals circulating on social media showed doors and windows of the US Consulate in Karachi smashed and set on fire, and chaotic scenes outside the consulate premises, with demonstrators damaging property and clashing with security personnel.

Protesters were seen breaking windows and attacking the guard area with sticks, prompting a forceful response from law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, 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.

The 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
While the anger is understandable given the context of the strikes, burning UN offices and schools is counterproductive and harms local communities the most. The international community needs to de-escalate tensions in the region urgently.
A
Arjun K
The instability next door is a reminder of why strong internal security is so crucial for us. Thoughts with the innocent people caught in the middle. The report of the army being called in shows how serious it is. 🇮🇳
P
Priyanka N
It's tragic to see so many lives lost in the protests. 23 people is not just a number. The focus should be on protecting civilian lives, not just diplomatic property. The authorities seem to have lost control.
V
Vikram M
With respect, while the US-Israel action triggered this, the local governance failure is evident. Burning a UN observer group's office that's meant for India-Pakistan matters? That makes no strategic sense. The anger is misdirected.
K
Karthik V
The common people suffer the most in these situations. Visa applicants, students, families – all their plans are disrupted. Hope for peace and normalcy to return soon. 🙏

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