US Consulates to Resume Services After Security Suspension
The United States Embassy announced on Wednesday that it would resume regular consular services at its missions in Lahore and Karachi from July 20, months after suspending operations because of security risks in the wake of anti-American protests following attacks on Iran. The consular services in the provincial capitals were suspended in March after violent anti-US protests erupted following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Violent Protests Led to Suspension
Demonstrators breached the outer perimeter of the consulate in Karachi, where US Marine Security Guards opened fire, resulting in the death of at least 10 protesters, according to local officials, prompting the US Mission to suspend routine consular operations owing to security concerns.
Official Announcement on Social Media
In a post on X today, the US Embassy in Islamabad said the consulates in Lahore and Karachi were reopening for regular consular services, including US citizen services and non-immigrant visa processing, from July 20. The post read: "Great news, Pakistan! The U.S. Consulates in Lahore and Karachi are reopening for regular consular services. Lahore for U.S. Citizen Services and Karachi for U.S. Citizen Services + Non-Immigrant Visa Processing. Whether you are applying for a visa or need American citizen…"
Warning Against Fraud
In a video message attached to the post, an embassy official warned against paying external sources for visa interview appointments or applications and encouraged citizens to apply through the embassy’s website.
Background of Staff Withdrawal
On March 5, the US had ordered its non-emergency staff at consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave the country, and granted permission for staff to leave missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Oman after Iran retaliated to a US-Israeli attack. The US State Department had asked non-emergency government employees and the family members of government personnel from US consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to "safety risks", the US embassy in Pakistan had said in a statement.
Closure of Peshawar Consulate
The US Department of State had also announced the phased closure of the US Consulate General Peshawar, transferring responsibility for diplomatic engagement in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the US Embassy Islamabad.
