US announces phased closure of Peshawar consulate over security concerns

ISLAMABAD: The United States Department of State has announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, citing the need to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and improve resource management.

In an official statement, the department said that responsibilities for diplomatic engagement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would now be handled by the United States Embassy in Islamabad.

Despite the closure, Washington emphasised that its policy priorities in Pakistan remain unchanged.

“While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast,” the statement said.

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The department added that the United States would continue to engage with officials and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen economic ties, promote regional security, and advance mutual interests.

It further noted that diplomatic operations would continue through existing missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

Reaffirming its commitment to bilateral relations, the State Department said the US Mission to Pakistan would remain actively engaged in advancing cooperation between the two countries.