The United States government has directed non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Pakistan as security concerns escalate. The move comes as the US orders consulate staff leave Pakistan following recent unrest and protests near American diplomatic facilities.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Pakistan confirmed that the State Department instructed non-essential employees and family members stationed at the US consulates in Karachi and Lahore to depart due to safety risks.
Officials clarified that the directive does not affect the US Embassy in Islamabad, which continues to operate normally.
The evacuation order comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
During the recent escalation, Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, while Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting what it described as US interests and bases across Gulf states.
Iranian officials warned that the conflict could intensify following the reported killing of several senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These developments have triggered protests in several countries, including Pakistan.
Protests Outside US Consulate in Karachi
Large demonstrations erupted outside the US consulate in Karachi after the developments in the Middle East.
During the unrest, protesters reportedly breached the outer wall of the consulate compound and damaged property within the area.
Authorities said at least 11 people lost their lives during the incident after gunfire was reported.
A Reuters report earlier cited US officials who said US Marines opened fire when protesters stormed the Karachi consulate compound. However, it remained unclear whether the rounds fired by Marines caused casualties.
Read: US Cancels Visa Appointments in Pakistan Over Security Concerns
Officials also noted that other security personnel, including private guards and local police, were present during the incident.
Separately, the US Embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore have suspended routine visa services and American Citizen Services (ACS).
Initially, visa and ACS appointments scheduled for March 2 were cancelled across the mission’s facilities in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The suspension was later extended through Friday, March 6.
