US to Shut Down Consulate in Major Pakistan City

The United States has announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, with diplomatic responsibilities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be shifted to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State said the decision was made as part of efforts to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and improve resource management.

Despite the closure, the department said U.S. policy priorities in Pakistan remain unchanged and engagement with the people and government officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue through the embassy in Islamabad.

The statement added that the United States will continue working to strengthen economic ties, promote regional security, and advance bilateral interests in the region.

The department also reiterated its commitment to the U.S.-Pakistan relationship through its remaining diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. No timeline for the complete closure of the Peshawar consulate was announced in the statement.