- Services Suspended:Â The US Embassy has canceled all visa and American Citizen Services appointments for Monday, March 2.
- Wide-Ranging Impact:Â The closure affects the embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
- Security Alert:Â The move comes as protests erupt across Pakistan following US strikes in Iran, prompting the embassy to restrict staff movement and warn American citizens.
Islamabad: The US Embassy in Pakistan has suspended all routine operations for Monday, canceling appointments for visas and American Citizen Services due to security concerns stemming from widespread protests across the country.
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the embassy announced that all appointments for March 2, 2026, have been canceled at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore.
“All appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services are canceled for today, March 2, at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore,” the statement read.
Protests Spark Precautionary Measures
The diplomatic mission’s decision follows the outbreak of large demonstrations in major Pakistani cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Skardu. The protests are reportedly linked to anger over recent US attacks targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, which have inflamed regional tensions.
Authorities in Pakistan have stepped up security at key installations and imposed restrictions in several areas to prevent the unrest from escalating further.
Prior Warnings to US Citizens
The cancellation of services comes after the embassy issued a security alert over the weekend, advising its personnel to limit movement within the country. The mission also urged American citizens in Pakistan to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and ensure their registration with the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.
The closure disrupts routine services for Pakistani applicants seeking visas as well as US citizens requiring consular assistance. The embassy has not yet announced when operations will resume, advising applicants to monitor their official channels for further updates.
