Washington, May 6: The United States has decided to gradually close its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing security concerns. The announcement was made by the US State Department, which stated that all diplomatic operations related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will now be managed through the US embassy in Islamabad.
In a brief statement, the State Department emphasized that this decision reflects its commitment to the safety of diplomatic personnel and better resource management. However, no clear timeline for the closure has been provided, nor has it been indicated whether staff reductions have begun.
The Peshawar region has long been a focal point for militancy, cross-border tensions, and counter-terrorism operations, making the closure of the consulate a significant diplomatic shift.
The State Department noted, “The US Consulate General in Peshawar is being closed in phases. Diplomatic responsibilities related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be assigned to the US embassy in Islamabad.”
Despite this move, the US clarified that its relationship with Pakistan and its policies in the region will not be affected. The department stated, “While our physical presence in Peshawar may be changing, our policy priorities towards Pakistan will remain strong.”
The US has assured that it will continue to engage with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to promote economic cooperation, enhance regional security, and protect American interests.
The State Department also mentioned that the US mission in Pakistan will continue to operate through its other diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, remaining committed to advancing the relationship between the two countries.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
