US announces closure of consulate general in Pakistan, citing safety of diplomatic personnel

The US Department of State had announced the closure of the Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing the safety of diplomatic personnel. The diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US Embassy in Islamabad, the department said.

The US Department of State released a statement on Tuesday in which they announced the closure of the US consulate by stating, ”The US Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the US Consulate General in Peshawar.”

They said that this decision is taken considering the safety of diplomats by quoting, ”This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel.” 

They said that their physical presence in Peshawar is changing but the administration policy will remain steady in Pakistan and engagement with people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to foster economic ties..

They further stated that their diplomatic ties with Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore remain active.

This development comes after unrest in Pakistan on March 1, which followed Israeli-US strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reportedly, at least nine people died after clashes between protesters and Pakistani law enforcement personnel near the US Consulate in Karachi .

Later, on March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and family members from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks.