ISLAMABAD: The United States Department of State on Wednesday announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, transferring responsibility for diplomatic engagement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the US Embassy in Islamabad.
In a post on X, the department said the move “reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management.”
It added that while the physical presence in Peshawar would end, Washington’s broader priorities in Pakistan would remain unchanged.
The State Department said it would continue to engage with officials and communities in KP to “foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.”
The closure is part of a broader restructuring of US diplomatic operations in Pakistan.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Pakistan through its remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
The Peshawar Consulate has historically served as a key operations and logistics hub before, during, and after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.
The department notified Congress of its intent to close the consulate, estimating annual savings of USD 7.5 million, and said the closure would not adversely affect Washington’s ability to advance national interests in Pakistan.
Officials emphasised that the decision, under consideration for more than a year, is unrelated to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has sparked protests in Pakistani cities, including Karachi, where US consulate operations have been temporarily suspended.
Operations at the Peshawar Consulate have been halted since May 3 due to protests and security concerns in multiple cities.
The joint US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28 prompted widespread demonstrations and forced the temporary suspension of the US Consulate in Karachi, following an incident that left 11 people dead.
The Peshawar Consulate employs 18 American diplomats and staff alongside 89 local personnel.
The closure is expected to cost around USD 3 million, including USD 1.8 million for relocating armoured trailers that served as temporary office space.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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