The US Consulate General in Peshawar temporarily suspended operations from Monday following protests and security concerns in several Pakistani cities, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the US also canceled all visa and American Citizen Services appointments at its embassy in Islamabad and consulates general in Karachi and Lahore on Monday, March 2.
The mission said appointments for March 2 were canceled due to protest activity around the diplomatic sites in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
In a security alert issued on March 1, the US mission in Pakistan said it was monitoring ongoing demonstrations at the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, as well as calling for further protests outside the US embassy in Islamabad and the consulate in Peshawar.
It said US government personnel were asked to limit their movements until further notice.
The alert also advised US citizens in Pakistan to follow local news coverage, avoid large crowds, remain aware of their surroundings and ensure their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program registration is up to date.
The warning comes after protests erupted across Pakistan following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike on his home while he was with his family.
At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes nationwide, including 10 outside the US consulate in Karachi, 11 in Skardu and two in Islamabad.
In Karachi, protesters gathered outside the US consulate where witnesses reported gunfire.
In Lahore, hundreds of people gathered outside the US consulate and minor clashes broke out as officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march on the US embassy despite heavy security and roadblocks around the diplomatic enclave.
Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad later imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and rallies, as officials tried to contain the unrest.
In Karachi, key roads remained closed to traffic for the second consecutive day on Monday due to security concerns. According to the traffic police, all routes leading to the US consulate have been closed due to security concerns.
WITH INCOME FROM REUTERS
