The US State Department has ordered all non emergency consular staff and their families to leave its consulates in Karachi and Lahore due to rising security concerns in Pakistan. The announcement was made on Wednesday as tensions in the region continue to escalate. However, officials clarified that there is no change in the operational status of the US Embassy in Islamabad.
According to an official statement from the US Mission in Pakistan, the decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of American personnel. The move comes amid the ongoing US Israel war against Iran, which has triggered unrest in several countries, including Pakistan.
Following reports of airstrikes that resulted in the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, protests erupted in multiple cities worldwide. In Pakistan, demonstrations intensified, particularly outside the US Consulate in Karachi. Protesters reportedly breached the outer wall of the compound and caused property damage. During the unrest, at least 11 people lost their lives, while gunfire was reported near the consulate premises.
Earlier reports indicated that US Marines opened fire during the attempted storming of the Karachi consulate. Officials stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether any rounds fired by Marines caused casualties.
In addition to the evacuation order, the US Mission has suspended visa operations and American Citizen Services in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. All scheduled visa appointments have been cancelled through March 6. Authorities assured applicants that further instructions regarding rescheduling will be communicated once the security situation improves.
The situation remains tense as regional developments continue to influence local security dynamics, prompting precautionary steps from diplomatic missions across the country.
