US Embassy, consulates in Pakistan suspend visa appointments 

Islamabad (Web Desk): In view of the prevailing security environment in Pakistan, the US Embassy in Islamabad has announced a significant decision regarding its visa operations, temporarily suspending all scheduled visa appointments across the country.

According to the latest statement, all visa appointments in Islamabad, as well as at the US consulates in Lahore and Karachi, have been canceled.

The suspension will remain in effect through March 6, 2026.

UPDATE: All appointments for U.S. visas and American Citizen Services are canceled for today, March 2 at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore. For more info: https://t.co/LLRbFcy7bZ

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) March 2, 2026

Operations have also been halted at the US Consulate General Lahore and the US Consulate General Karachi, with routine consular services paused during this period.

Embassy officials stated that the decision was taken due to the current security situation and related safety concerns, emphasizing that the measure is precautionary in nature.

In its clarification to affected applicants, the embassy said that individuals whose appointments have been canceled will be contacted directly with information regarding new appointment dates.

Applicants have been advised to closely monitor the email addresses and phone numbers they provided at the time of scheduling, as further instructions and rescheduling details will be communicated individually.

The decision to widen the suspension was taken after an initial step on Sunday, when the US Mission scrapped all visa interviews and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments set for March 2 at its offices in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

In a security notice released on March 1, officials said they were closely following reports of protests outside the US Consulate General in Lahore, along with demonstrations taking place near the US Consulate General in Karachi.

The advisory also mentioned calls circulating for further rallies outside the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Peshawar.

As a safety measure, American government personnel were told to minimize their travel and remain indoors unless necessary until new instructions are issued.

The mission further encouraged US citizens in Pakistan to stay informed through local media and exercise caution.

They were advised to remain alert in public places, avoid crowded areas, and keep their enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) up to date.