ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN March 3, 2026 – The United States Embassy in Islamabad and its Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6, 2026, due to the prevailing security situation.
In an official announcement posted on X, the U.S. Embassy stated:
“Due to the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6.”
This extension follows earlier cancellations for March 2 and March 3, triggered by violent protests outside U.S. diplomatic facilities. The unrest erupted after reports of U.S. strikes on Iranian-linked targets, with demonstrators gathering at the U.S. Consulates in Karachi and Lahore and calls for further protests at the Embassy in Islamabad.
Protests in Karachi turned particularly deadly, with local reports indicating at least 10 people killed and dozens injured as crowds attempted to breach security cordons. Similar demonstrations were reported in Lahore. In response, the U.S. Mission to Pakistan has restricted movements of its personnel and temporarily suspended operations at the Consulate General in Peshawar.
U.S. government personnel across Pakistan remain under movement restrictions as a precautionary measure. American citizens in the country have been advised to maintain a low profile, avoid large gatherings, carry identification, and monitor local news and official channels for updates.
Visa applicants whose appointments fall between now and March 6 are urged not to attend and to regularly check their email inboxes or the official U.S. Embassy Pakistan website (pk.usembassy.gov) for rescheduling instructions. American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments have also been affected.
The situation remains fluid. Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the U.S. Mission issues further advisories.
For official information:
Visit: https://pk.usembassy.gov/
Follow: @usembislamabad on X
Affected travellers are encouraged to plan accordingly and exercise patience during this period of heightened security measures.
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