Following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, protests have surged across Pakistan, leading to the temporary suspension of operations at the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi. The unrest, which has resulted in 23 deaths nationwide, prompted the cancellation of all visa appointments through Friday, March 6, as stated by the US Embassy in Islamabad.
The US Consulate General in Peshawar also ceased operations due to security concerns and protests near diplomatic premises. Demonstrators gathering near the sites led to the cancellation of visa and American Citizen Services appointments at the US embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore for March 2. A US security alert issued on March 1 highlighted ongoing demonstrations at the Lahore and Karachi consulates and potential protests outside the Islamabad embassy and Peshawar consulate.
Protests erupted nationwide after the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, resulting in clashes that claimed at least 23 lives. Incidents included violence outside the US Consulate in Karachi, clashes in Skardu, and confrontations in Islamabad. In response, authorities in Punjab and Islamabad imposed Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings and rallies, while security concerns led to the closure of key roads near the Karachi consulate for a second day. The US Embassy emphasized that operations will resume once the situation stabilizes and urged American citizens in Pakistan to remain cautious.
