Islamabad (TDI): The United States Mission to Pakistan on Monday cancelled all US visa and American Citizen Services appointments for today at the US Embassy Islamabad, the US Consulate General Karachi and US Consulate General Lahore, citing ongoing protest activity and heightened security concerns.
In a security alert issued on Sunday, the mission said it was closely monitoring demonstrations outside the US Consulate in Lahore and violent protests at the US Consulate in Karachi. It also noted calls for further demonstrations at the embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General Peshawar.
The mission added that US government personnel in Pakistan had been directed to restrict their movements until further notice.
US citizens were advised to remain vigilant, monitor local media, avoid large gatherings, and stay alert to their surroundings. The advisory also urged Americans to review personal security plans, keep a low profile, carry identification at all times, cooperate with law enforcement, and ensure their enrolment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP is up to date).
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In a separate update posted on social media platform X, the embassy confirmed that all US visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2 at the Islamabad embassy and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore had been cancelled. Further updates will be shared through official channels, it said.
The cancellations come amid widespread protests across Pakistan following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly resulted in the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrations erupted on Sunday in several major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, with protesters clashing with law enforcement agencies. Authorities in Islamabad imposed Section 144 and sealed routes leading to the Red Zone to prevent protesters from reaching sensitive areas.
In Karachi, large crowds gathered outside the US Consulate and attempted to advance towards the compound, hurling stones at security personnel. Police responded with shelling and other forceful measures to disperse the demonstrators.
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According to officials, the violence in Karachi left at least nine people dead and 36 others injured, while dozens were arrested as authorities moved to restore order.
Security remains tight across major urban centres, and officials have warned that further restrictions could be imposed if protests continue.
