The US has announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, citing a commitment to the safety of its diplomatic personnel. “The US Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the US Consulate General in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US Embassy in Islamabad,” a US State Department spokesperson said in a statement here on Tuesday.
“This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management,” the statement said, adding that the US administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast despite the change in physical presence in Peshawar.
The State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.
“The Department, through the US Mission to Pakistan, remains dedicated to advancing the US-Pakistan relationship through our remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore,” the spokesperson said.
10 killed as protesters try to storm US Consulate in Pakistan
Earlier in March, at least 10 people were killed, and several were injured after clashes broke out between police and protesters as they tried to storm the gates of the US Consulate in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.
The clashes broke out following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike.
Dr Sumaiya Syed, Police Surgeon, Sindh, said so far 10 bodies have been brought to the Civil Hospital, and some appeared to have bullet wounds. The protesters began gathering on the road leading to the consulate building as soon as the death of Iran's Supreme Leader was confirmed in the ongoing Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
Despite such vulnerable conditions, US Vice President JD Vance visited Islamabad for Iran-US peace talks last month.
(With inputs from PTI)
You may also like to watch