(ANI photo)
The United States on Wednesday announced it will carry out a phased shutdown of its consulate general in Peshawar, citing concerns over the safety of diplomatic staff as well as the need for better allocation of resources.”The US department of state is announcing the phased closure of the US consulate general in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US embassy in Islamabad. This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management,” the department said in a statement.Even as its physical footprint in Peshawar is reduced, Washington said it will continue active engagement with stakeholders in Pakistan.”While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast. We will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people,” it said.The state department added that its embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Lahore and Karachi will continue to function as usual. The decision follows a wave of unrest in Pakistan triggered by Israeli-US strikes on March 1 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Dawn News, at least nine people were killed in clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces near the US Consulate in Karachi.Soon after, on March 3, the State Department directed non-essential US government personnel and their family members to leave its consulates in Lahore and Karachi due to rising security concerns.Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran since February 28, the department had also cautioned about potential drone and missile threats from Iran, along with possible disruptions to commercial air travel.The advisory further underscored the risk of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, noting that extremist groups have carried out violence particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA region, while major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad have also seen incidents.”Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings,” the US state department’s prior statement noted.
