US Embassies in Pakistan Halt Operations Amid Nationwide Protests

In response to escalating protests across Pakistan following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi have temporarily suspended operations. This decision comes amid a wave of unrest that has resulted in numerous fatalities. The US has issued security alerts and advised its citizens to remain vigilant. As protests continue, authorities have imposed restrictions on public gatherings, emphasizing the need for caution among American nationals in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 3, 2026, 11:16 IST

US Diplomatic Missions Suspend Activities

Islamabad: Following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli operation, protests have surged across Pakistan, prompting the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi to temporarily cease operations.

This decision comes amid escalating unrest that has resulted in at least 23 fatalities nationwide.

In a statement shared on X, the US Embassy announced, “Due to the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6.”

As reported by The Express Tribune, the US Consulate General in Peshawar also suspended its operations starting Monday due to security threats and protests occurring near diplomatic locations. All visa and American Citizen Services appointments at the US embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore for March 2 were cancelled after demonstrators gathered nearby.

A security alert from the US issued on March 1 highlighted ongoing protests at the Lahore and Karachi consulates, along with potential demonstrations outside the Islamabad embassy and Peshawar consulate.

US personnel have been advised to limit their movements, while American citizens in Pakistan are urged to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds, stay updated with local news, and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program registration is up to date.

The protests erupted following Khamenei's assassination, leading to widespread unrest. Clashes have resulted in at least 23 deaths, including 10 near the US Consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu, and two in Islamabad.

In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire. In Lahore, hundreds demonstrated outside the consulate, leading to clashes as police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march towards the embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security presence.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad have invoked Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings and rallies, while key roads near the Karachi consulate remained closed for a second consecutive day due to security concerns. The US Embassy has stated that operations will only resume once the situation stabilizes and has urged all American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.