US Orders Non-Essential Staff to Leave Karachi and Lahore Consulates Following Protest Attack

International media, citing US sources, report that the United States has instructed its non-essential personnel at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, to leave the premises. This move comes amid heightened security concerns around American diplomatic missions.

Previously, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates had announced a suspension of visa issuance services until next Friday, without providing further details on when consular services will resume.

These developments follow an incident in which protesters in Karachi stormed the US consulate in response to an attack on Iran. Official Pakistani sources have yet to release information regarding damages or possible arrests.

Karachi and Lahore are key diplomatic and economic centers in Pakistan, where foreign missions typically operate under tight security measures. However, these recent events have once again raised concerns over the security of diplomatic premises.