The United States Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled several Visa Appointments scheduled between March 9 and March 13. Officials said the decision was taken due to the evolving security situation in the region.
In an official statement, the embassy confirmed that both immigrant and non-immigrant Visa Appointments during this period have been suspended. The measure is described as a precaution to ensure the safety of staff and applicants.
Embassy authorities explained that applicants affected by the cancellation will receive updated schedules soon. New Visa Appointments will be shared through email once the situation allows normal operations to resume.
Despite the suspension, the embassy said that regular and emergency services for U.S. citizens will continue. American citizens in Pakistan can still seek consular help if needed. However, consular operations at U.S. Consulates in Karachi and Lahore remain temporarily suspended until further notice.
The decision comes during a period of heightened tensions in the region. The situation intensified after the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei. The incident triggered protests and demonstrations across several cities in Pakistan.
Large gatherings and rallies were reported in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Kohat, and Nawabshah. These developments raised concerns about public safety and security conditions.
Earlier, the U.S. Consulate in Karachi had already cancelled Visa Appointments for a day after an incident occurred at the facility. Officials later extended the suspension due to the overall security environment.
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad then decided to broaden the precautionary measure. As a result, all visa-related services and appointments were cancelled until March 13.
Many visa applicants are now waiting for further updates. Students, tourists, and business travelers are among those affected by the delay. Embassy officials have urged applicants to monitor their email for rescheduling notifications.
Authorities also advised travelers to stay informed through official embassy channels. Updates about Visa Appointments and consular services will be announced as the security situation develops.
The embassy emphasized that the safety of applicants and staff remains its top priority while monitoring conditions closely.
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