Washington: In view of the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan, the United States Department of State has taken a major step. The US has ordered non-emergency employees and their families posted at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave Pakistan immediately.
This decision comes at a time when the impact of increasing military tension between the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East has reached Pakistan.
Concerns grew after protests
According to reports, widespread protests erupted in Pakistan following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Large numbers of people gathered and demonstrated, particularly outside the US consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
In Karachi, some protesters even tried to enter the embassy premises, after which the situation became tense.
Visa services also cancelled
In light of the current situation, US consulates in both cities had already canceled all visa appointments until March 6. The US embassy said in a statement that staffing was being temporarily reduced due to security risks.
However, the situation at the US Embassy in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is currently reported to be normal.
Travel warning also issued
The US State Department stated in its travel advisory that the threat of terrorist attacks and violent activities persists in Pakistan. The warning stated that terrorists could target crowded places—such as markets, hotels, malls, transportation hubs, airports, schools, religious sites, and government buildings—without prior notice.
Permission to remove employees from other countries as well
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has also allowed non-essential government employees and their families to return home from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Cyprus. Experts believe the ongoing conflict and protests in the region have increased threats to the security of American institutions, so the move is a precautionary measure.
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