The US Embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar have suspended visa services and cancelled all appointments through March 6, 2026, due to escalating protests and security concerns in Pakistan.
The United States has expanded its suspension of consular operations across Pakistan, citing heightened security risks from ongoing protests and regional tensions. Initially announced for specific dates, the cancellations now affect all US visa appointments and American Citizen Services through Friday, March 6, 2026, at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore. This move comes amid violent demonstrations near US diplomatic facilities, including deadly protests outside the Karachi consulate on March 1, 2026, which resulted in multiple casualties, and similar gatherings in Lahore. Authorities are also monitoring calls for additional rallies near the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar, leading to restricted movement for American government personnel throughout the country as a precautionary measure.
The Consulate General in Peshawar has temporarily halted all operations effective March 2, 2026, until further notice, with routine and emergency services for US citizens redirected to the Islamabad embassy. These disruptions stem from broader unrest in Pakistan, potentially linked to escalating West Asia tensions following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which has fueled anti-US sentiments and protests across Pakistani cities. US officials have attributed the cancellations to continued traffic diversions, security threats, and protest activities around diplomatic premises in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
US citizens in Pakistan are strongly advised to stay vigilant, avoid large gatherings, monitor local media for real-time updates, and ensure their enrolment in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) is current for emergency alerts. Applicants with cancelled US visa appointments in Pakistan should check official channels for rescheduling information, as the situation remains fluid. This development highlights ongoing US-Pakistan relations challenges amid global geopolitical shifts, with keywords like US visa cancellation Pakistan 2026, US consulate suspension Peshawar, visa appointments cancelled Karachi Lahore, US embassy security alert Islamabad, protests US consulates Pakistan, and American Citizen Services disruption incorporated for better search visibility. Real-time discussions on platforms like X confirm the extended cancellations, emphasizing the impact on travel and immigration plans.
