US Orders Partial Evacuation from Pakistan Consulates
News Desk
Islamabad: The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, citing heightened security risks amid regional turmoil.
In a statement issued by the US mission, the decision applies to non-essential US government employees and dependents stationed at the consulates in the two major cities.
The move comes against the backdrop of escalating hostilities involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which have triggered unrest across parts of the region.
Tensions intensified following Israeli and US strikes inside Iran and retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran targeting alleged US interests in Gulf states.
Iranian authorities have declared that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the airstrikes, describing the attack as “unprovoked,” while US sources confirmed casualties among American military personnel during the ongoing conflict.
The developments have sparked protests in several countries, including Pakistan. Demonstrations in Karachi turned violent when protesters breached the outer perimeter of the US consulate compound and damaged property. At least 11 people were reported killed in firing during the unrest.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/no-flight-restrictions-in-pakistan-says-airports-authority/
Earlier reports by Reuters said US Marines opened fire as demonstrators attempted to storm the Karachi consulate over the weekend.
Initial accounts from US officials indicated uncertainty over whether Marine gunfire resulted in casualties, and whether other security personnel, including private guards or local law enforcement, also discharged weapons.
In addition to the personnel drawdown, the US mission in Pakistan has suspended routine visa services and American Citizen Services (ACS) at its facilities in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
All visa appointments scheduled through March 6 have been cancelled, with applicants to receive further instructions regarding rescheduling.
While US officials did not disclose specific intelligence behind the decision, the coordinated measures — evacuation of non-essential staff and suspension of consular services — signal serious concern over the security environment.
The temporary disruption is expected to affect thousands of visa applicants and American citizens seeking services, as diplomatic operations remain scaled back pending further assessment of the situation.
