The United States Embassy in Islamabad has announced a temporary suspension of all visa appointment services scheduled between March 9 and March 13. This decision affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants who had appointments during this period. The embassy has assured those impacted that new dates for their visa interviews will be communicated directly through email notifications.
This interruption in visa processing comes as part of ongoing adjustments within the embassy’s consular operations. While visa interviews are on hold, the embassy has emphasized that routine and emergency consular assistance for American citizens residing or traveling in Pakistan will proceed without disruption. This includes services such as passport renewals, notarial acts, and emergency support.
On the other hand, consular services at the US Consulates General located in Karachi and Lahore remain suspended indefinitely. The embassy has not provided a specific timeline for when these consular offices will resume their operations. This continued closure affects a range of services, including visa processing and citizen assistance, creating challenges for individuals relying on these facilities in southern and eastern Pakistan.
It is important to note that the embassy’s decision to pause visa appointments temporarily is likely linked to administrative or security considerations, though no explicit reasons have been disclosed. Applicants are encouraged to monitor their emails closely for updates regarding rescheduled appointments to avoid any further inconvenience.
Meanwhile, the embassy continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of both its staff and the public while maintaining essential services for US nationals. Travelers and visa seekers are advised to stay informed through official embassy communications to navigate these temporary changes effectively.
