The United States Mission in Pakistan has announced the suspension of all visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2 at the US Embassy in Islamabad, as well as at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore. This decision comes in response to escalating protest activities and growing security threats targeting these diplomatic missions across the country.
In a security advisory issued on March 1, the US Mission highlighted ongoing demonstrations taking place at the US Consulate General in Lahore, alongside reports of violent clashes outside the US Consulate in Karachi. The advisory further warned of planned protests near the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar. Due to these developments, US government personnel have been instructed to limit their movements and remain within secure locations until further notice.
The Mission urged American citizens residing in or traveling through Pakistan to stay vigilant by closely monitoring local news outlets and adhering to personal safety measures. These precautions include maintaining heightened awareness of their surroundings, steering clear of large gatherings, and ensuring their registration with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is current. Additionally, they were advised to revisit their personal security plans, keep a low profile, carry valid identification at all times, cooperate fully with local law enforcement, and stay updated through official communications for any changes regarding consular services.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Islamabad took to social media to confirm the cancellation of all appointments related to US visas and American Citizen Services for March 2 at the embassy and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore. This move reflects the seriousness of the security situation following a surge of protests that erupted across multiple cities in Pakistan on Sunday.
The demonstrations were sparked by outrage over recent US and Israeli military actions that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that inflamed tensions in the region. Violent confrontations broke out outside the US Consulate in Karachi, where clashes between protesters and law enforcement led to multiple casualties and numerous injuries. Similar protests took place in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, with security forces resorting to tear gas and other crowd control measures to disperse demonstrators.
In Islamabad, authorities imposed Section 144, a legal order prohibiting public gatherings, and blocked access routes to the sensitive red zone area housing diplomatic missions and government offices. In Karachi, protesters gathered in large numbers outside the US Consulate, attempting to breach the premises by throwing stones. Police responded with shelling and other forceful tactics to control the unrest. The violent episodes across these cities have so far resulted in at least nine deaths and left 36 people injured, underscoring the volatile atmosphere gripping the country.
As the situation remains fluid, the US Mission continues to monitor developments closely and has emphasized the importance of safety for both its staff and the public. The suspension of consular services is expected to remain in effect until the security environment stabilizes, with further updates to be communicated through official channels. This series of events highlights the complex geopolitical tensions impacting Pakistan and the challenges faced by diplomatic missions operating in such a volatile context.
