US Embassy in Pakistan Suspends Visa Services Amid Protests
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the US Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled all visa appointments and American Citizen Services due to violent protests. This unsettling unrest has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread chaos, prompting urgent safety advisories for American citizens in the region.
Key Takeaways
US Embassy in Islamabad cancelled visa services due to protests.
Protests resulted in 23 fatalities nationwide.
Violence occurred outside US consulates in Karachi and Lahore .
American citizens advised to stay updated on local news.
Protests linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
Islamabad, March 2 (NationPress) – The US Embassy in Islamabad has declared the cancellation of visa appointments and American Citizen Services for the day, following violent protests that erupted the day prior.
In a statement shared on X, the US Embassy confirmed, "All appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services are cancelled for today, March 2, at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore."
Protests turned violent outside the US Consulate General in both Karachi and Lahore, with calls for demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar also made on Sunday.
This unrest was prompted by large gatherings of the Shia community protesting against the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel operation.
The US Embassy has recommended that American citizens in Pakistan stay alert to local news and prioritize personal safety.
Reports indicate that at least 23 protesters lost their lives in clashes nationwide, including 10 fatalities outside the US consulate in Karachi and 11 in Skardu, where a UN office was set ablaze. Additionally, two individuals were killed in Islamabad, according to The Express Tribune.
Videos circulating on social media depicted the US Consulate in Karachi with broken doors and windows, showcasing chaotic scenes where demonstrators clashed with security forces and inflicted damage.
Protesters were observed smashing windows and assaulting the guard area with sticks, leading to a significant response from law enforcement.
Furthermore, protesters in the Skardu and Gilgit regions set fire to the offices of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), as reported by Dawn.
Additional structures, including a school, the superintendent of police's office, and the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) office, were also torched. Police in PoGB announced that a curfew has been enforced in Skardu.
The Pakistan Army was deployed under Section 245 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) due to the arson incidents affecting UNMOGIP offices in Skardu and Gilgit, with officials noting that no casualties occurred during the protests.
Point of View
The situation surrounding the US Embassy in Pakistan highlights growing tensions and the need for diplomatic sensitivity. The protests, driven by significant grievances among the Shia community, reflect broader geopolitical issues. The safety of citizens, both American and local, must be prioritized as this situation develops.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were US visa appointments cancelled?
The US Embassy in Islamabad cancelled visa appointments due to violent protests that occurred outside its consulates.
How many protesters were killed during the clashes?
At least 23 protesters were reported killed in various clashes across Pakistan.
What prompted the protests?
The protests were sparked by the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel operation.
What advice has been given to American citizens in Pakistan?
The US Embassy advised American citizens to monitor local news and practice good personal security.
What actions were taken by law enforcement during the protests?
Law enforcement agencies responded forcefully to protesters who were breaking windows and attacking security personnel.
