The United States has canceled all visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for Monday, March 2, at its embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore amid protests and heightened security concerns.
In a security alert issued on March 1, the U.S. mission in Pakistan said it was monitoring demonstrations near the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, as well as calls for further protests outside the embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar. The mission instructed U.S. government personnel to restrict movement until further notice.
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The advisory urged American citizens in Pakistan to monitor local media, avoid large gatherings, remain vigilant and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program registration is current. The mission said it canceled March 2 appointments due to protest activity around diplomatic facilities in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
The unrest followed reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S. strike, which triggered demonstrations in multiple cities. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulted in casualties in Karachi, Skardu and Islamabad.
In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. consulate, where police used tear gas after attempts were made to move toward the main gate. In Lahore, crowds assembled outside the consulate before officers dispersed them. In Islamabad, protesters attempted to approach the diplomatic enclave amid heavy security.
Authorities later imposed Section 144 in parts of Punjab and Islamabad, banning public gatherings.
