US Closes Peshawar Consulate

The United States has announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Pakistan — Peshawar, Pakistan, citing concerns over the safety of diplomatic personnel and the need for efficient resource management. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with the Pakistan — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will be transferred to the US Embassy in Pakistan — Islamabad. This decision follows a year-long review of US overseas operations and aligns with a broader downsizing of federal footprints initiated during the Donald Trump administration, aiming for an annual saving of approximately $7.5 million. The closure comes amid regional tensions, including recent military friction between the United States and Iran, which sparked protests in Pakistan. In March, operations were briefly suspended at other US consulates in Pakistan — Karachi and Pakistan — Lahore due to safety concerns, and non-emergency US government employees were ordered to leave. The US State Department also warned of possible drone and missile attacks from Iran and terrorist violence in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Pakistan — Balochistan and Pakistan — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite the physical reduction in Pakistan — Peshawar, the United States reaffirms its commitment to its policy priorities in Pakistan, intending to continue engagement through mobile diplomacy and its remaining diplomatic posts in Pakistan — Islamabad, Pakistan — Karachi, and Pakistan — Lahore.