US suspends consular services across Pakistan amid security concerns

The United States has cancelled visa appointments at its embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Lahore and Karachi amid escalating unrest in Pakistan.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the US Embassy said that due to the current security situation, all visa appointments at the embassy and the consulates in Lahore and Karachi have been cancelled through Mar 6.

Earlier, the US mission had announced the temporary suspension of operations at its Consulate General in Peshawar and the cancellation of visa and American Citizen Services appointments in Karachi and Lahore.

The measures follow nationwide protests that erupted after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike over the weekend. At least 25 people have reportedly died in the ensuing unrest.

The situation turned particularly volatile in Karachi on Sunday when protesters breached the outer wall of the US consulate.

Two US officials told reporters that US Marines opened fire as demonstrators stormed the compound -- a rare use of force at a diplomatic facility.

The officials said it remained unclear whether the Marines’ gunfire struck or killed anyone.

They also said they did not know whether shots were fired by others protecting the mission, including private security personnel or local police.

The US Embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore are limiting movements for US government personnel across the country.

The mission has advised US citizens in Pakistan to avoid large public gatherings, monitor local media and review their personal security plans.

Americans were also urged to keep a low profile, carry identification and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration is up to date.