ISLAMABAD: The United States Mission to Pakistan cancelled all US visa and American Citizen Services appointments for March 2 at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, citing protest activity and security concerns.
In a security alert dated March 1, the mission said it was monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulate General in Lahore and violent protests at the US Consulate General in Karachi.
It also noted calls for additional demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar, adding that US government personnel had been directed to restrict their movements until further notice.
The mission advised US citizens to monitor local news and follow personal security precautions, including staying aware of their surroundings, avoiding large crowds and ensuring their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration remains up to date.
It further urged individuals to review personal security plans, keep a low profile, carry identification, cooperate with law enforcement authorities and monitor email and local media for updates regarding rescheduled appointments.
In a separate post on X, the US Embassy Islamabad confirmed that all visa and American Citizen Services appointments for March 2 had been cancelled at the Islamabad embassy and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
Protests erupted across Pakistan on Sunday against US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with violent clashes reported outside the US Consulate in Karachi, leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured.
Demonstrations were also held in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, where protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel, who on several occasions used shelling to disperse crowds. Authorities in Islamabad imposed Section 144 and blocked routes leading to the Red Zone.
In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to move towards the premises, pelting stones, after which police resorted to shelling and other forceful measures to disperse the crowd. The unrest resulted in at least nine fatalities and 36 injuries, according to hospital sources.