The US State Department has announced a phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, stating that its functions will be transferred to the embassy in Islamabad.
“Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US Embassy in Islamabad. This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management,” the department said in a statement.
It added that despite the closure, US policy priorities in Pakistan would remain unchanged.
“While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast. We will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people,” the statement said.
The department also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Pakistan through its remaining diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Earlier reports indicated that the move had been under consideration for more than a year. According to reporting by The Independent, the State Department had informed Congress of the plan, estimating annual savings of $7.5 million without affecting US strategic interests in Pakistan.
The report also noted that the decision is part of a broader effort by the Donald Trump administration to reduce the size of federal agencies and is not linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The recent US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28, had sparked protests in several Pakistani cities.
In March, operations at the US Consulate in Karachi were temporarily suspended after protesters breached the compound’s outer wall during demonstrations following the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in strikes on Iran.
