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 mounting security concerns across multiple cities in the country.
In a security advisory issued on March 1, the US Mission highlighted ongoing demonstrations, particularly noting violent clashes outside the US Consulate General in Karachi and persistent protests at the consulate in Lahore. The advisory further warned of planned additional demonstrations targeting the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar. In light of these developments, all US government personnel stationed in Pakistan have been instructed to limit their movements until the situation stabilizes.
The mission urged American citizens residing or traveling in Pakistan to remain vigilant by closely monitoring local news outlets and adhering to personal safety protocols. These include staying alert to their surroundings, avoiding large gatherings, and ensuring their registration with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is current. Furthermore, the advisory recommended that individuals review their personal security plans, maintain a low profile, carry valid identification at all times, cooperate fully with local law enforcement, and stay updated through official communications and media reports regarding any changes to appointment schedules.
In a separate statement shared on the social media platform X, the US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the cancellation of all US visa and American Citizen Services appointments for March 2 at its premises and those of the consulates in Karachi and Lahore. This move underscores the seriousness of the security situation following widespread unrest that erupted across Pakistan on Sunday.
The protests were sparked by outrage over US and Israeli military actions that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that triggered strong reactions throughout the region. In Karachi, the demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations outside the US Consulate, leading to multiple casualties and numerous injuries. Similar protests took place in major urban centers including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, where demonstrators frequently clashed with law enforcement officials. Authorities, in an effort to control the unrest, resorted to the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures on several occasions.
In Islamabad, the government imposed Section 144, a legal provision that prohibits the assembly of more than four people, and blocked key routes leading to the sensitive red zone area to prevent protesters from reaching diplomatic missions. Meanwhile, in Karachi, protesters gathered in large numbers outside the US Consulate and attempted to breach the premises by throwing stones. Police responded with forceful tactics, including the use of tear gas shells, to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The violent clashes have so far resulted in at least nine fatalities and left 36 individuals injured, highlighting the intensity of the unrest. The situation remains fluid, with security agencies maintaining heightened alertness to prevent further escalation. The US Mission continues to monitor the developments closely and will provide updates as necessary to ensure the safety of its staff and the public.
