US consulate in Peshawar suspends operations

Embassy in Islamabad, consulates in Karachi, Lahore cancel visa services

The US Consulate General in Peshawar temporarily suspended operations from Monday after protests and security concerns in several Pakistani cities, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, the US also cancelled all visa and American Citizen Services appointments at its embassy in Islamabad and consulates general in Karachi and Lahore for Monday, March 2,

The mission said appointments for March 2 were cancelled because of protest activity around the diplomatic sites in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

In a security alert issued on March 1, the US mission in Pakistan said it was monitoring ongoing demonstrations at the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, as well as calls for further protests outside the US embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar.

It said US government personnel were told to restrict their movements until further notice.

The alert also advised American citizens in Pakistan to follow local news coverage, avoid large crowds, remain aware of their surroundings and make sure their Smart Traveler Enrolment Programme registration is up to date.

The warning comes after protests erupted across Pakistan following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike at his home while he was with his family.

At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes nationwide, including 10 outside the US Consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu, and two in Islamabad.

In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the US consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire.

In Lahore, hundreds of people gathered outside the US Consulate, and smaller clashes broke out when officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march towards the US embassy, despite heavy security and roadblocks around the diplomatic enclave.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad later imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, as officials sought to contain the unrest.

In Karachi, key roads remained closed for traffic for a second consecutive day on Monday due to security reasons. According to the traffic police, all routes leading to the US Consulate have been shut over security concerns.

WITH INPUT FROM REUTERS