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US Missions Halt Operations in Pakistan Amid Deadly Protests Over Khamenei Killing

The US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar have temporarily suspended all operations and visa services due to major security concerns. This decision follows deadly nationwide protests in Pakistan triggered by the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a reported US-Israeli strike. Clashes between protesters and authorities have resulted in at least 23 fatalities, with significant unrest outside diplomatic compounds in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. American citizens have been advised to restrict movements and avoid large gatherings as authorities impose Section 144 to ban public assemblies.

Key Points: US Missions in Pakistan Suspend Operations Amid Protests

  • US diplomatic missions suspend operations
  • Protests over Khamenei's killing turn deadly
  • At least 23 killed in nationwide clashes
  • Section 144 imposed, roads blocked near consulates
  • Citizens advised to restrict movement, avoid crowds
2 min read

US missions across Pakistan suspend operations amid deadly protests over Khamenei's death

US Embassy and consulates in Pakistan suspend visa services amid deadly nationwide protests following the killing of Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei.

"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. - US Embassy in Islamabad"

Islamabad, March 3

Amid escalating protests across Pakistan following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi have temporarily suspended operations.

The move comes as authorities struggle to contain unrest that has already left at least 23 people dead nationwide.

In a message posted on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad 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."

According to The Express Tribune, the US Consulate General in Peshawar also temporarily halted operations starting Monday due to security concerns and protests near diplomatic premises. All visa and American Citizen Services appointments at the US embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore for March 2 were cancelled after demonstrators gathered near the sites.

A US security alert issued on March 1 warned of ongoing demonstrations at the Lahore and Karachi consulates, as well as potential protests outside the Islamabad embassy and Peshawar consulate.

US personnel were instructed to restrict their movements, while American citizens in Pakistan were advised to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, follow local news, and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program registration is current.

The protests erupted after the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, triggering nationwide unrest. Clashes have claimed at least 23 lives, including 10 outside the US Consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu, and two in Islamabad.

In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the consulate where witnesses reported gunfire. In Lahore, hundreds protested outside the consulate, with clashes occurring as officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march toward the embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad invoked Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, while key roads near the Karachi consulate remained closed for a second day due to security concerns. The US Embassy emphasised that operations will resume only once the situation stabilises and urged all American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tragic loss of life, no matter where it happens. 23 people dead is heartbreaking. The protests show how deeply people are connected to their religious leadership. Hope calm is restored soon for the sake of ordinary citizens. 🙏
R
Rohit P
From an Indian security perspective, this is a critical development. Any major unrest in Pakistan can have spillover effects. Our agencies must be monitoring this 24/7. The suspension of US missions shows how serious it is.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the anger, attacking diplomatic missions is never acceptable. It endangers local staff and escalates tensions further. The US and Israel must bear responsibility for creating this crisis with their strike.
V
Vikram M
The geopolitics of this is huge. Khamenei's death will reshape Iran's role, and Pakistan's reaction shows the sectarian and political fault lines. India needs to navigate this very carefully with our energy and Chabahar port interests.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on US actions and closures. I wish it gave more insight into the internal Pakistani political dynamics and what this means for the common person there just trying to live their life.
M
Michael C
Section 144 being invoked brings back memories of how often we see that here

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