The US has cancelled visa appointments in Pakistan through Friday, March 6, citing the current security situation.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and Consulate Generals in Lahore and Karachi confirmed that routine visa services will remain suspended during this period.
In a notice to applicants, the US Mission said affected individuals would receive guidance on rescheduling their appointments.
“Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6,” the embassy posted on X.
Officials did not provide further details about the security concerns. However, the broader suspension follows an earlier decision to cancel US visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments scheduled for March 2.
In a security alert dated March 1, the US Mission said it was monitoring reports of demonstrations outside the US Consulate General in Lahore and protests near the US Consulate in Karachi.
The alert also referenced calls for additional demonstrations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar.
As a precaution, US government personnel were directed to restrict movement until further notice. The mission advised US citizens to monitor local news, avoid large crowds, and keep their Step registration up to date.
Read: Karachi US Consulate Protest Violence Leaves 9 Dead, 18 Injured
The suspension comes amid protests across Pakistan following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Demonstrations took place in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. In some cities, protesters clashed with law enforcement. Authorities in Islamabad imposed Section 144 and blocked access to sensitive areas.
In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the US Consulate, and police used force to disperse crowds after unrest escalated.
The US Mission has urged applicants to monitor official channels for updates regarding visa services.
