ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic staff and their family members from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, citing heightened security risks following violent protests linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the US Mission in Pakistan said the United States Department of State directed non-emergency government employees and eligible family members to leave the country from its consular posts in Karachi and Lahore as a precautionary measure.
Pakistan: The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Pakistan to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi. Read the full advisory: https://t.co/Lz0vTwzQgs pic.twitter.com/ABO11FPWZp
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 4, 2026
Officials clarified that there has been no change to the operational status of the US Embassy in Islamabad, which continues to function.
Protests and security incidents
The move follows days of unrest in several Pakistani cities after reports of US and Israeli military strikes in Iran. Demonstrations escalated in Karachi, where protesters gathered outside the US Consulate compound.
During the protest, parts of the outer perimeter wall were breached and clashes broke out. Local reports indicated multiple casualties during the incident, though details remain under investigation.
According to earlier reporting by Reuters, US Marines stationed at the consulate discharged weapons as demonstrators breached the compound over the weekend. US officials said it was not immediately clear whether the gunfire resulted in casualties, and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
Visa services suspended
Separately, the US Mission announced the suspension of routine visa processing and American Citizen Services (ACS) at its facilities in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
Initially, appointments scheduled for March 2 were cancelled, with the suspension later extended through Friday, March 6. Applicants affected by the cancellations are expected to receive further instructions regarding rescheduling.
While US authorities did not provide specific details about the security threats prompting the drawdown, they emphasized that the decision was taken in response to evolving conditions on the ground.
The developments come against the backdrop of escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which have triggered protests in parts of the region, including Pakistan.
