NewKerala.com

US Evacuates Staff from Pakistan Consulates Amid Deadly Protest Unrest

The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, citing significant safety concerns. This decision follows escalating and deadly protests across Pakistan triggered by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported US-Israeli strike. The US Embassy and consulates have cancelled all visa appointments, and the Peshawar consulate has temporarily halted operations due to security threats near diplomatic facilities. American citizens have been advised to exercise high caution, avoid gatherings, and monitor the volatile situation as authorities impose restrictions to curb the unrest.

Key Points: US Orders Staff to Leave Pakistan Consulates Over Security

  • US orders non-emergency staff departure
  • Protests follow Ayatollah Khamenei killing
  • Visa services cancelled until March 6
  • At least 23 killed in Pakistan unrest
3 min read

US orders non-emergency staff at Lahore, Karachi consulates to leave Pakistan

US evacuates non-essential staff from Lahore, Karachi consulates, cancels visas as protests over Ayatollah Khamenei's killing turn deadly.

"Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments - US Embassy in Islamabad"

Islamabad, March 4

The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and family members of staff at its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan, citing safety concerns, according to an official statement.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Pakistan said the US State Department had directed the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from the two missions. It added that there has been no change in the status of the US Embassy in Islamabad.

The decision comes amid escalating protests across Pakistan following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, which has triggered widespread demonstrations in several cities.

According to reports, at least 23 people have been killed in Pakistan as protests erupted after the killing of Khamenei.

Amid the unrest, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi announced on Tuesday that visa appointments have been cancelled until March 6.

In a statement posted on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad said: "Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6."

The US Consulate General in Peshawar also temporarily halted operations from Monday due to security concerns and protests near diplomatic premises, Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune reported.

All visa and American Citizen Services appointments at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore scheduled for March 2 were cancelled after demonstrators gathered near the diplomatic facilities.

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

US personnel were instructed to restrict their movements, while American citizens in Pakistan were advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, follow local news and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration is up to date.

In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire in the area.

In Lahore, hundreds of protesters assembled outside the consulate, with clashes reported after police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march towards the embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security deployment.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, while several major roads in Karachi remained closed for the third consecutive day due to security concerns.

The US Embassy said operations would resume once the situation stabilises and urged American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. It's a reminder of how volatile the neighborhood can become. India has to be extra vigilant about spillover effects, especially along our western border. Our security forces are always on alert, but citizens should also stay informed.
V
Vikram M
Frankly, the US foreign policy in the Middle East creates these problems. The strike that killed Khamenei was bound to have massive repercussions. Now our entire region pays the price. When will superpowers learn that military actions have severe unintended consequences?
P
Priya S
My cousin was supposed to have a visa interview in Lahore this week. Now it's cancelled indefinitely. It's so frustrating for students and families with genuine plans. The political situation ruins everything for common people. 😔
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, internal instability in Pakistan is not good news. It often leads to increased cross-border mischief to divert attention. Our agencies must be watching this very, very closely.
K
Kavya N
It's tragic that 23 people have lost their lives in the protests. Violence is never the answer. The Pakistani government needs to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions, as per international norms. Hope peace prevails soon.
M
Michael C
Working in international

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50