The US Consulate General in Peshawar temporarily suspended operations starting Monday after protests and security concerns in several Pakistani cities, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the United States has also canceled all visa appointments and services for American citizens at its embassy in Islamabad and consulates general in Karachi and Lahore for Monday, March 2.
The mission said the March 2 meetings were canceled due to protests around diplomatic sites in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
In a security alert issued March 1, the U.S. Mission in Pakistan said it was monitoring ongoing protests outside the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, as well as calls for further demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate in Peshawar.
It says U.S. government personnel have been ordered to restrict their movements until further notice.
The alert also advises U.S. citizens in Pakistan to follow local media coverage, avoid large crowds, stay aware of their surroundings, and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program registration is current.
The warning comes after protests erupted across Pakistan following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in an Israeli-US strike on his home while he was with his family.
At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across the country, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu and two in Islamabad.
In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the US consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire.
In Lahore, hundreds of people gathered outside the US consulate and smaller clashes broke out when officers used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march toward the U.S. Embassy, despite heightened security measures and roadblocks around the diplomatic enclave.
Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad later imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, as authorities sought to contain the unrest.
In Karachi, main roads remained closed to traffic for the second consecutive day on Monday due to security concerns. According to traffic police, all roads leading to the US consulate were closed for security reasons.
WITH THE CONCLUSION OF REUTERS
