Islamabad — US orders non-emergency consular staff to leave Pakistan on March 4, 2026, directing personnel and their families from the consulates in Karachi and Lahore to depart due to heightened safety risks. The US State Department cited ongoing threats of drone and missile attacks from Iran and major disruptions to commercial flights amid the Middle East conflict. The embassy in Islamabad remains fully operational with no change in status.
This precautionary step follows violent protests outside US missions last weekend and comes after similar evacuation orders were issued for American staff in several other regional countries. Pakistani authorities have already strengthened security around diplomatic areas, ensuring normal consular services continue from the capital while maintaining calm across the country.
The @SecRubio @StateDept urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks. Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from… pic.twitter.com/vdplAik2Sq
— Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar (@AsstSecStateCA) March 2, 2026
Key Highlights
- Non-emergency US government employees and families ordered to leave consulates in Karachi and Lahore due to safety concerns.
- No change to the US Embassy in Islamabad, which continues all routine and emergency services.
- Reason cited: Threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks plus flight disruptions linked to the regional conflict.
- Peshawar consulate operations temporarily suspended in a follow-up statement.
- Move follows deadly protests on March 1, including clashes in Karachi and Islamabad that resulted in multiple casualties.
- Visa and American Citizen Services appointments cancelled at the affected consulates.
The decision reflects the serious view Washington takes of the current regional tensions, even as Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies maintain tight security around all foreign missions. Roads leading to the Karachi consulate remain blocked, with heavy police and Ranger presence, while similar measures are in place in Lahore and Islamabad.
Pakistan: The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Pakistan to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi. Read the full advisory: https://t.co/Lz0vTwzQgs pic.twitter.com/ABO11FPWZp
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 4, 2026
Families in the two cities have grown used to these heightened alerts in recent days, yet daily life continues without panic. Pakistani officials have reassured the public that every possible step is being taken to protect both citizens and diplomatic personnel.
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In these challenging times, Pakistan’s calm and professional handling of the situation once again demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and the safety of all international partners. The nation remains focused on safeguarding its sovereignty while keeping essential services running smoothly for everyone.
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