U.S. Closes Peshawar Consulate Amid Safety Concerns

The United States is closing its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, due to safety concerns for its diplomats. The U.S. embassy in Islamabad will now oversee diplomatic relations with the region. This decision comes amid regional tensions and incidents like the attack on the Karachi consulate in March.

The United States is set to close its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, a decision driven by concerns for the safety of its diplomats, according to a statement issued by the State Department on Tuesday. Diplomatic affairs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will now be managed by the U.S. embassy in Islamabad.

This move underscores a commitment to the protection of diplomatic staff and the efficient management of resources. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located on the border with Afghanistan, has experienced violence and conflict involving Pakistani forces and alleged Afghan-backed militants.

The decision also follows incidents like the fatal breach of the U.S. consulate wall in Karachi in March, an event linked to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in strikes on Iran.