ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The US Embassy in Islamabad has extended its visa service suspension through March 20, which results in the cancellation of all visa appointments, while US citizens can still access routine and emergency services.
All immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments are cancelled through March 20. Affected visa applicants will receive instructions by email on rescheduling their appointments,” it said in a post on X.
The US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore continue to suspend all consular services. This suspension comes as the US-Israel war on Iran nears its second week, which has resulted in more than 2000 deaths, most of which occurred in Iran through US-Israeli joint strikes.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of almost 700 people, while Israel conducted attacks on central Beirut and enforced evacuation orders for southern Lebanese areas, which it targeted.
The Israeli military on Friday announced its intention to launch strikes against two locations within the Iranian capital, Tehran, which include Villa and Moniriyeh, while they instructed residents to leave the area. Read: Police, protesters clash in Karachi after Iran’s Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strike.
The IDF will conduct operations in these designated areas within the next few hours following their recent military activities throughout Iran to attack the Iranian regime’s military sites. The army posted on its Persian-language account on X, which included maps of the affected neighbourhoods, advising citizens to evacuate the marked area for their safety and well-being.
The new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, made his first public statement on Thursday when he read his remarks through a television broadcaster.
The Strait of Hormuz will remain shut, according to his statement, while he demanded that nearby nations close their US military bases or they would become targets of Iranian attacks. He pledged to avenge the martyrs’ blood, which he promised to everyone.
US Embassy Issues Advisory
The United States (US) Embassy in Pakistan has issued a security advisory after reports of ongoing demonstrations at the U.S. Consulate General Lahore and violent protests at the U.S. Consulate General Karachi.
In response to the developing situation, US government personnel in Pakistan have been directed to restrict their movements until further notice.
The advisory urges US citizens in Pakistan to closely monitor local news and maintain heightened personal security. Citizens have been advised to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid large gatherings, and ensure their enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is up to date.
Due to protest activity around US diplomatic missions in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, all appointments for US visas and American Citizen Services have been cancelled for Sunday, March 2, according to the notice.
US citizens have been advised to avoid areas of large public gatherings, review and update their personal security plans, closely monitor local media for developments, and regularly check their email and official channels for updates regarding appointments at all diplomatic locations.
They have also been urged to maintain a low profile, remain alert to their surroundings, carry proper identification at all times, and cooperate fully with local law enforcement authorities.
