The United States Mission in Pakistan has announced the cancellation of all visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for March 2nd. This decision affects the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore. The suspension is a precautionary measure taken due to ongoing protest activities and security concerns.

A security alert issued on March 1st indicated that the mission was closely monitoring reports of demonstrations, particularly at the US Consulate General in Lahore and incidents of violent protests at the US Consulate General in Karachi. The alert also noted calls for further demonstrations targeting the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar. Consequently, US government personnel have been instructed to limit their movements until further notice.

US citizens in Pakistan have been advised to stay informed by monitoring local news and to adhere to personal security measures. This includes maintaining awareness of their surroundings, avoiding large gatherings, and ensuring their STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) registration is current. Additionally, they are encouraged to review their personal security plans, maintain a low profile, carry identification, cooperate with law enforcement, and regularly check email and local media for updates regarding appointment rescheduling.

An update shared on X by the US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed that all appointments for both US visas and American Citizen Services on March 2nd at the embassy and the consulates in Karachi and Lahore would be cancelled.

The cancellations come in the wake of protests that occurred across Pakistan on Sunday, which were reportedly in response to strikes involving Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These protests saw violent clashes, including outside the US Consulate in Karachi, resulting in casualties and injuries.

Demonstrations also took place in other major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. In some instances, protesters clashed with law enforcement, who utilized measures like tear gas to disperse crowds. Authorities in Islamabad implemented Section 144 and restricted access to the Red Zone.

In Karachi, demonstrators attempted to approach the US Consulate, engaging in stone-pelting. Police responded with forceful measures, including tear gas, to manage the situation. Reports indicate that the unrest led to a number of fatalities and injuries.