Visa applicants in Pakistan have been informed regarding temporary changes to scheduled appointment for visa at the US Embassy in Islamabad and all the scheduled appointments of immigrants and non-immigrants from March 9 to March13 have been cancelled.
According to an official statement individuals whose appointments were affected will get email communication with instructions on how to reschedule their interviews. The applicants were advised by the embassy to periodically check their inbox for information and further instructions regarding new dates of the appointments.
Despite the temporary halt in visa processing the embassy clarified that it will continue to provide routine as well as emergency consular services for the American citizens in Islamabad.
Meanwhile Consular services on US Consulate General Karachi and US Consulate General Lahore are suspended. Officials are yet to announce when they will be operating in these offices again.
US consulate attack in Karachi
Earlier, 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.
Demonstrations broke out outside the United States Consulate after reports circulated about the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike reportedly carried out by the US and Israel.
A large number of protesters gathered near the consulate chanting slogans and expressing anger over the reported development. As tensions escalated police used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Authorities temporarily shut down roads linking Sultanabad to Mai Kolachi while traffic coming from Jinnah Bridge was diverted through I.I. Chundrigar Road to ease congestion and maintain security in the area.
Officials advised citizens to avoid the vicinity until the situation stabilizes as law enforcement agencies remain deployed to ensure public safety and restore order.
Also read: US embassy announces big update for Pakistani visa applicants
