US to close Peshawar consulate citing safety concerns

The United States has announced that it will close its consulate in Peshawar, citing concerns over the safety of its diplomatic personnel and changing security conditions in the region.

According to officials, the closure will be carried out in phases, with responsibilities for diplomatic engagement in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region being transferred to the US Embassy Islamabad.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said the move is aimed at ensuring the safety of staff while maintaining continued engagement with Pakistan through other diplomatic missions.

The US will continue to operate from its embassy in Islamabad as well as consulates in Karachi and Lahore.

The consulate in Peshawar has faced longstanding security challenges, with the region historically affected by militancy and instability. Over the years, operations at the facility have been limited, and its functioning had already been scaled down due to safety concerns.

The decision also reflects a broader recalibration of US diplomatic presence in high-risk areas, with officials emphasising that essential services for American citizens and diplomatic outreach will continue from Islamabad.

The Peshawar mission has traditionally served as a key diplomatic outpost given its proximity to the Afghan border, playing a role in regional engagement and coordination. However, evolving security dynamics have increasingly constrained its operations.

The move underlines ongoing concerns about the safety of foreign diplomatic missions in parts of Pakistan, even as Washington maintains that its overall relationship and engagement with the country will continue through other channels.