US Embassy in Pakistan Updates: Amid escalating violent protests outside the US Embassy and consulates in Pakistan, the United States has issued a security alert and temporarily suspended visa services through March 2. The decision comes in response to ongoing unrest in major cities, including Lahore and Karachi, with concerns that demonstrations could also spread to Islamabad and Peshawar.
As a precautionary measure, US government personnel have been instructed to remain indoors, restrict non-essential travel, and closely monitor local developments. The embassy has advised American citizens in Pakistan to exercise heightened caution, avoid protest areas, and stay updated through official channels.
The temporary suspension of visa processing is part of broader security measures aimed at ensuring the safety of staff and visitors, as authorities continue to assess the situation and monitor potential risks in the region.
US Embassy in Pakistan Updates: Advisory issued for US citizens – Key instructions:
- The embassy has issued a security alert and advised American citizens to remain vigilant.
- People have been asked to stay away from crowded places and any kind of protests.
- Review your personal safety plan and maintain vigilance.
- Keep a low profile and always carry your identification card (ID).
- Get regular updates from local media and official sources.
- Keep your registration and information updated with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- US government employees have been instructed to limit their movement until further notice.
Violent protests erupt in Karachi after Khamenei’s death
Meanwhile, following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, violent protests were witnessed in Karachi, Pakistan, in which several people died. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Islamabad announced on Monday that visa appointments as well as US citizen services have been cancelled for today following the violent protests that took place the previous day. In a post on the social media platform X, the US Embassy said, “All US visa and US citizen services appointments scheduled for today, March 2, at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore have been cancelled.”
US Embassy Visa Services Suspended: Situation worsened on Sunday
Violent protests erupted outside the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore on Sunday. Demonstrations were also planned at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar. A large number of Shia members came out to protest Khamenei’s death. The US Embassy has advised American citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and ensure personal safety.
Pakistan newspaper The Express Tribune claims
Meanwhile, according to a report in Pakistan’s leading newspaper, The Express Tribune, at least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across Pakistan. These included 10 people outside the US Consulate in Karachi and 11 in the Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan. In Gilgit Baltistan, a mob set fire to a UN office, while two people were killed in Islamabad. Videos circulating on social media showed the doors and windows of the US Consulate in Karachi being broken and set on fire, and chaos outside the consulate premises, with protesters damaging property and clashing with security personnel.
US Embassy in Pakistan Updates: Video of attack goes viral
Protesters were seen breaking windows and attacking guard areas with sticks. Law enforcement agencies then responded forcefully to the protesters. According to a report in Dawn, protesters in the PoGB’s Skardu and Gilgit areas set fire to the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan ( UNMOGIP). Protesters also set fire to a school, the Superintendent of Police’s office, and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office. PoGB police have imposed a curfew in Skardu.
