Washington: The U.S. Department of State unveiled Wednesday its plan to gradually wind down operations at the Consulate General in Peshawar, explaining that the decision stems from concerns over the safety of its diplomatic staff and the need for better resource management, ANI reported.
In a formal statement, the department declared: “The U.S. Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management.”
According to the statement, while the physical presence in Peshawar is being reduced, the United States will continue to engage meaningfully with stakeholders in Pakistan to “advance the interests of the American people.”
“While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast. We will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people,” the statement added.
The department further clarified that its embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Lahore and Karachi will remain fully operational.
This development follows unrest that erupted in Pakistan on March 1, triggered by Israeli-US strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Dawn News, at least nine people died after clashes between protesters and Pakistan enforcement personnel near the US Consulate in Karachi.
Subsequently, 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 escalating safety risks.
Following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, the department also issued advisories warning of possible Iranian drone and missile attacks, as well as potential disruptions to commercial flights.
The advisory further highlighted the risk of terrorist violence in Pakistan. It noted that violent extremist groups have carried out attacks, particularly in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA region, though incidents have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad.
“Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings,” the U.S. State Department’s prior statement noted.
