The US State Department has ordered non-essential staff and their families from the consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave the country in light of the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan and regional tensions.
The order was issued on March 3, 2026, primarily due to the recent military confrontation between Iran and the United States and the resulting violent protests in Pakistan. According to reports, at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between security forces and protesters during violent protests and vandalism outside the US Consulate in Karachi on March 1. Following these incidents, the US mission issued a high alert and suspended all visa appointments and consular services at the consulates in Karachi and Lahore, including the embassy in Islamabad, until March 6.
US officials say that the consulate in Peshawar has already suspended its operations, while the embassy in Islamabad continues to function, although there are strict restrictions on non-essential movement there as well.
American citizens in Pakistan have been advised to avoid crowded places, stay informed of local media, and exercise extreme caution regarding their security. The Pakistani government has tightened security around diplomatic missions, but risks remain due to public anger over US and Israeli actions in Iran.
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