The United States State Department announced on Wednesday a phased shutdown of its Consulate General in Peshawar, citing heightened safety risks and a need for efficient resource management. Diplomatic engagement for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will be transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, while consulates in Lahore and Karachi will remain operational.

The decision follows a period of significant unrest in Pakistan sparked by the March 1 deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during Israeli-U.S. strikes. Clashes between security forces and protesters near the Karachi consulate earlier this month resulted in at least nine deaths, prompting the State Department to evacuate non-essential staff from multiple locations on March 3.

Washington officials stated that while the physical footprint in Peshawar is being reduced, policy priorities in Pakistan remain unchanged. The administration intends to maintain ties with regional stakeholders to foster economic cooperation and security interests despite the withdrawal from the provincial capital.

The State Department had previously issued warnings regarding potential Iranian drone and missile threats and the persistent risk of terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security advisories noted that extremist groups continue to target government buildings, transportation hubs, and security installations across the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad will now oversee all diplomatic and consular functions for the region as the phased closure begins. Security protocols at the remaining missions in Lahore and Karachi continue to be monitored amid the ongoing regional volatility.