The United States has announced that its consulates in Karachi and Lahore will resume regular consular services from July 20, following a temporary suspension earlier this year due to security concerns. In a statement shared on social media, the US Embassy in Islamabad said the Consulate General in Lahore will resume services for US citizens, while the Consulate General in Karachi will provide both American citizen services and non-immigrant visa processing.

The embassy advised applicants seeking visas or other consular assistance to visit its official website for information on appointments and available services. Regular operations at the two consulates were suspended in March after violent protests erupted in several parts of Pakistan amid heightened regional tensions. During demonstrations in Karachi, protesters breached the outer perimeter of the US Consulate compound and caused damage to the property.

The unrest also resulted in multiple fatalities after gunfire broke out during the clashes. Following the security incidents, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members from its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, citing concerns over the safety of diplomatic staff. The temporary suspension of services affected routine visa appointments and assistance for American citizens in both cities.

Separately, the US Department of State announced in May the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar as part of measures aimed at safeguarding diplomatic personnel. Under the new arrangement, diplomatic responsibilities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were transferred to the US Embassy in Islamabad.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)