Islamabad, March 4 (NationPress) The United States has mandated that non-emergency government personnel, along with their families stationed at the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, vacate Pakistan due to security issues, as stated in an official announcement.

On Wednesday, the US Embassy in Pakistan clarified that the US State Department has called for the exit of non-essential staff and their dependents from these two consulates, while confirming that there is no alteration in the status of the US Embassy in Islamabad.

This directive arrives in the wake of intensifying protests across Pakistan triggered by the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli operation, which has incited widespread demonstrations in various cities.

Reports indicate that at least 23 individuals have died in Pakistan amidst the protests following Khamenei’s death.

In light of the unrest, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi declared on Tuesday that all visa appointments have been suspended until March 6.

A statement shared on X by the US Embassy in Islamabad expressed: “Due to the current security circumstances, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6.”

The US Consulate General in Peshawar also temporarily ceased operations starting Monday due to safety concerns and protests surrounding diplomatic locations, reported Pakistan’s leading daily, The Express Tribune.

All visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2 at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore were cancelled following the assembly of protesters near these diplomatic entities.

A US security alert issued on March 1 cautioned about ongoing demonstrations near the Lahore and Karachi consulates, as well as potential protests outside the Islamabad embassy and the Peshawar consulate.

US personnel have been advised to limit their movements, and American citizens in Pakistan are urged to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, follow local news updates, and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration is current.

In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the consulate, with witnesses reporting gunfire in the vicinity.

In Lahore, hundreds of demonstrators congregated outside the consulate, leading to clashes when police utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Islamabad, demonstrators made attempts to march towards the embassy despite roadblocks and a significant security presence.

Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad enforced Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings and rallies, while several major roads in Karachi remained closed for the third consecutive day due to security apprehensions.

The US Embassy indicated that operations would recommence once the situation normalizes and advised American citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.