The United States has announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, citing serious security concerns and growing risks to diplomatic personnel. Responsibilities linked to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be shifted to the US Embassy in Islamabad. The move is being viewed as a strong message from Washington over the deteriorating security environment in Pakistan.
Washington: In a major diplomatic setback for Pakistan, the United States has decided to wind down operations at its consulate in Peshawar amid mounting security threats and instability in the region. The decision reflects Washington’s deepening concerns over the safety situation and its declining confidence in Pakistan’s ability to provide a secure environment for foreign diplomats.
Announcing the move on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the US Department of State said: “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 now be transferred to the US Embassy in Islamabad.”
The statement underlined that the closure was driven by the need to protect American diplomatic staff and ensure more effective management of resources. Despite scaling back its physical presence in Peshawar, the United States said it would continue pursuing its strategic and diplomatic priorities in Pakistan.
The development is being seen as another indication of growing international concern over Pakistan’s security challenges, particularly in regions affected by militancy and unrest. By shifting operations away from Peshawar, Washington has effectively acknowledged the increasing risks faced by foreign missions operating in the country.
The spokesperson added that the US would continue engaging with officials and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen economic cooperation, support regional stability, and protect American interests.
“The State Department remains committed to advancing US-Pakistan relations through the US Embassy in Pakistan and its remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore,” the spokesperson said.
