ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The United States Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday announced the reopening of the US consulates in Lahore and Karachi for regular consular services from July 20, 2026.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Islamabad said the consulates will provide services to US citizens as well as process non-immigrant visa applications.
“Whether you are applying for a visa or need American citizen services, visit the official U.S. Embassy website to get started,” it said.
These services were suspended in March after violent protests erupted outside US diplomatic missions at the onset of the US-Israel war with Iran, when Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was martyred.
On March 1, 10 people were killed in Karachi when protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel near the US Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road.
Law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton-charge to control the situation, and US Marines were reported to have opened fire on the protestors.
Following the protests, on March 4, the US State Department ordered non-emergency personnel from US consulates in Karachi and Lahore and their families to leave Pakistan due to security concerns.
In May, the US State Department announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, saying it would transfer operations to the embassy in Islamabad.
