ISLAMABAD: The United States said on Wednesday it would soon resume regular consular services at its missions in Lahore and Karachi, reopening visa processing and American citizen services months after suspending operations because of security concerns during violent protests in Pakistan.
The services were suspended in March after violent anti-American protests erupted across Pakistan following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February that killed the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrators breached the outer perimeter of the consulate in Karachi, where US Marine Security Guards opened fire.
At least 10 protesters were killed in the violence, according to Pakistani officials, prompting the US Mission to suspend routine consular operations because of security concerns.
“The US Consulates in Lahore and Karachi will soon resume regular consular services,” the embassy said in a video message posted on X.
“To apply for a US visa or access US visa services, please visit the official website of the US Embassy,” it added, reminding applicants that they do not need to pay agents or intermediaries to obtain visa appointments or complete applications.
The embassy did not specify an exact date for the resumption of services.
The US has long maintained a heightened security posture for its diplomatic missions in Pakistan and regularly issues travel and security adviseries to American citizens in response to evolving threats, including demonstrations, militant attacks and civil unrest.
Earlier this year, the US State Department also announced the permanent closure of its consulate in Peshawar as part of a broader restructuring of its overseas diplomatic footprint, saying consular services would instead be provided through the US Embassy in Islamabad and the remaining consulates in the country.
