The United States (US) has decided to permanently close the US Consulate General Peshawar, a key diplomatic facility located near the Afghan border.
According to an Associated Press report, the department has formally notified the United States Congress about the decision, stating that the closure is expected to save around $7.5 million annually. Officials said the move would not affect Washington’s ability to pursue its national interests in Pakistan.
The Peshawar consulate had served as an important operations and logistics hub before, during and after the United States invasion of Afghanistan.
Officials clarified that the decision had been under review for more than a year and was part of a broader effort to reduce the size of federal agencies that began during the administration of Donald Trump.
They added that the closure is not linked to the ongoing tensions involving Iran, which recently triggered protests in Pakistani cities such as Karachi and Peshawar and led to temporary suspensions of consulate operations.
The Peshawar mission currently employs 18 American diplomats and government staff, along with 89 local employees. Authorities estimate that the closure process will cost around $3 million, including about $1.8 million to relocate armoured trailers used as temporary office spaces.
Additional funds will be used to transfer vehicles, electronic equipment, telecommunications systems and office furniture to the Embassy of the United States, Islamabad and other consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
Located close to the Afghan border, the Peshawar consulate has long served as an important contact point for American citizens in northwestern Pakistan and for Afghan nationals seeking assistance.
Following the closure, consular services for the region will be handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad, approximately 184 kilometres away. Officials said this arrangement would allow the United States to continue assisting its citizens and overseeing foreign assistance programmes without disruption.
US embassy announces update for Pakistani visa applicants
The United States Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi earlier announced, “Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6.”
Prior to this, the US suspended all routine services effective March 2, 2026, citing serious security concerns amid nationwide unrest.
The suspension applies not only to the Islamabad embassy but also to US consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. All regular services, including visa appointments, passport processing, American citizen services, and routine consular assistance, have been halted until further notice.
Officials said a revised schedule will be announced later, leaving thousands of visa applicants and US citizens awaiting further guidance. The decision follows escalating tensions after reports of the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei triggered widespread protests across Pakistan.
Demonstrations were reported outside American diplomatic facilities in several cities, with clashes and casualties confirmed. Authorities cited growing security risks as the primary reason for temporarily shutting down operations to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and visitors.
While routine services remain suspended, emergency services may still be available on a limited basis in genuine cases. The temporary closure is expected to affect travellers, students, businesses, and dual nationals across the country.
