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U.S. Orders Non‑Essential Staff to Leave Karachi and Lahore Consulates in Pakistan

The State Department cites rising security risks linked to the Iran conflict.

Overview

  • The directive covers non‑emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members at the Karachi and Lahore consulates, with no change to the embassy’s status in Islamabad.
  • All visa appointments at U.S. missions in Pakistan are canceled through March 6, and officials warn of limited consular reach in several provinces.
  • The updated advisory flags an ongoing threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks, significant disruptions to commercial flights, and the risk that terrorists may strike without warning.
  • Large pro‑Iran demonstrations have targeted U.S. facilities, including an attempted breach of the Karachi consulate, with reports of at least 10 deaths there and broader nationwide unrest.
  • Washington also authorized departures from missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Cyprus, noted a drone strike damaging the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, and said evacuation flights are being prepared as regional risks expand.