US Embassy in Islamabad Prolongs Visa Service Suspension to March 20
Synopsis
The US Embassy in Islamabad has announced an extension of its visa service suspension until March 20, affecting all consular services in Karachi and Lahore. Safety concerns have led to this decision amid ongoing protests in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
Visa services at the US Embassy in Islamabad are suspended until March 20.
All consular services in Karachi and Lahore are also suspended .
Affected applicants will be contacted via email for rescheduling.
Protests in Pakistan have escalated following the assassination of a key political leader.
Safety considerations are paramount in the Embassy's operational decisions.
Islamabad, March 13 (NationPress) The US Embassy in Islamabad announced an extension of the suspension of its visa services until March 20. Additionally, it confirmed that all consular operations at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore are also on hold.
In a post on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad stated, "We are continuing to assist US citizens with both routine and emergency services. All appointments for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are canceled through March 20. Affected applicants will receive rescheduling instructions via email."
Moreover, the Embassy provided information on its website for applicants to check their appointment statuses. It reiterated, "Consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore remain suspended."
Earlier, on March 3, the US government ordered the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from its Consulates in Lahore and Karachi due to safety concerns, as noted in an official statement.
The US Embassy in Pakistan confirmed this order, stating, "On March 3, 2026, the Department of State instructed non-emergency US government workers and their families to exit Pakistan due to safety risks. There are no changes to the status of Embassy Islamabad."
This action followed widespread protests in Pakistan after the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack on February 28. Reports indicate that at least 23 protesters lost their lives in clashes across Pakistan, including ten near the US Consulate in Karachi and eleven in Skardu, a region in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, where a UN office was also set ablaze. Two protesters were killed in Islamabad, as reported by The Express Tribune.
In Karachi, witnesses described gunfire as demonstrators gathered outside the Consulate. In Lahore, hundreds of protesters convened near the Consulate, resulting in clashes after police utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, in Islamabad, protesters tried to march toward the Embassy despite heavy security measures and roadblocks.
Point of View
The US Embassy's decision to extend the suspension of visa services reflects a significant concern for the safety of its staff and citizens. The ongoing protests highlight the tense political climate, warranting a cautious approach from the US government.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the visa services be suspended?
The US Embassy has extended the suspension of visa services until March 20.
Are consular services available in Karachi and Lahore?
No, all consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore are currently suspended.
What should affected visa applicants do?
Affected visa applicants will receive instructions via email regarding the rescheduling of their appointments.
Why were non-emergency staff ordered to leave Pakistan?
The US government ordered the departure of non-emergency staff due to safety concerns amid protests.
What events triggered the protests in Pakistan?
The protests were triggered by the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike.
