The US State Department on Wednesday announced that non-emergency personnel and their families from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been ordered to leave Pakistan due to security concerns. The move comes amid rising tensions in the region, though the status of the US embassy in Islamabad remains unchanged.
US Statement
In an official statement, the US Embassy in Pakistan said:
“The Department of State has ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members from US Consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks.”
The embassy clarified that there is no change in operations or staffing at the US Embassy in Islamabad.
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
Background: Regional Tensions
The decision follows escalating conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US interests and bases across Gulf countries.
During these strikes, senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reported killed in what Iranian officials called “unprovoked and unwarranted” attacks. Six US military personnel were also killed during the confrontations. Iranian authorities warned that Khamenei’s martyrdom would mark a turning point, with the Revolutionary Guards vowing retaliation and stating that “this great crime will not go unpunished.”
Nine Killed, Dozens Injured in Karachi Protests Over Khamenei Martyrdom
Protests in Pakistan
Following Khamenei’s death, protests erupted worldwide, including in Pakistan. Demonstrators carried black flags and chanted slogans such as “Down with America!” and anti-Israel messages. In Karachi, protestors breached the outer wall of the US consulate, vandalized property, and firing during the incident resulted in at least 11 fatalities.
Reuters reported that US Marines fired at demonstrators during the storming of the Karachi consulate over the weekend. Initial reports indicate it is unclear whether any fatalities were caused by US personnel or other security forces, including private guards and local police.
Suspension of Visa Services
Amid the unrest, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates in Karachi and Lahore suspended all visa and American Citizen Services (ACS). Initially, appointments scheduled for March 2 were canceled, and the suspension was later extended through March 6. The US Mission advised that routine visa services would remain on hold during this period, with affected applicants receiving guidance on rescheduling.
Key Takeaway: The US has taken precautionary measures to protect its consular staff in Pakistan, ordering non-emergency personnel to leave and temporarily suspending visa services. The move reflects growing regional instability and security concerns in the country.
