US Embassy Suspends Services In Pakistan After Violent Protests Over Khamenei’s Killing

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 10:34 IST

The US Embassy advised American citizens in Pakistan to avoid large gatherings, review personal security plans, and monitor local media for updates.

Khamenei’s Death: The US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates in Karachi and Lahore suspended all visa and American Citizen services after violent protests erupted following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a security alert issued on Monday, the US Embassy in Islamabad announced that all visa appointments and American Citizen Services at the embassy and consulates in Karachi and Lahore had been cancelled for the day.

“We are monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US Consulates General in Lahore and violent protests at the US Consulate General in Karachi," the statement said, adding that US government personnel had been directed to restrict their movements until further notice.

It further advised American citizens in Pakistan to avoid large gatherings, review personal security plans, keep a low profile, carry identification and monitor local media for updates. It also urged citizens to ensure their registration in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is up to date.

Violent Clashes In Pakistan

The embassy’s decision came a day after at least 22 were killed and over 120 were injured in clashes with security forces as hundreds stormed the US consulate in Pakistan’s Karachi over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated Israel-US strikes.

According to rescue officials from the Edhi Foundation, several of the dead had bullet wounds. Witnesses said protesters broke through barricades despite police using batons and tear gas. There were also reports of arson and damage to property around the consulate building.

“We have moved at least eight dead bodies to Karachi’s civil hospitals, while 20 others were injured in the consulate incident," Muhammad Amin, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation rescue service told AFP, adding that most bodies had bullet wounds.

The sources told News18 that while Pakistani police and paramilitary forces were initially successful in holding back the protesters by using batons and tear gas, they eventually broke through the barricades at the consulate smashing windows in their wake. There were reports of arson as well, with unverified videos on social media showing parts of the building set ablaze.

Unrest was also reported in Lahore, where protesters gathered near the US Consulate, and in Gilgit-Baltistan, where demonstrations disrupted traffic along the Karakoram Highway. In Skardu, crowds reportedly set fire to a United Nations office during the protests.

News world US Embassy Suspends Services In Pakistan After Violent Protests Over Khamenei’s Killing

Read More