The United States Department of State has announced the closure of the US Consulate in Peshawar.
According to the statement, responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be transferred to the US Embassy in Islamabad.
The State Department said the decision was made to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and to make more effective use of resources.
The statement further noted that although the US presence in Peshawar is changing, the administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan will remain unchanged.
It added that meaningful engagement with the government and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue, with a focus on strengthening economic ties, enhancing regional security, and advancing US interests.
The department also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through its diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Earlier, the United States (US) decided to permanently close the US Consulate General Peshawar, a key diplomatic facility located near the Afghan border.
The department 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 earlier 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.
Also read: US decides to permanently shut its consulate in Peshawar
