US begins phased closure of consulate in Peshawar

The United States has announced a phased shutdown of its consulate in Peshawar, signaling a significant restructuring of its diplomatic footprint in Pakistan.

According to a statement from the US State Department all diplomatic responsibilities concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be shifted to the US Embassy in Islamabad.

The department said the move has been taken to enhance the safety of diplomatic personnel and to ensure a more efficient allocation of resources.

Despite the closure Washington emphasised that it will continue sustained engagement with the people and authorities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly in areas of economic cooperation and regional security.

A State Department spokesperson said the decision reflects broader efforts to streamline diplomatic operations without affecting core US policy objectives in Pakistan. They added that coordination with local authorities will remain active through established diplomatic channels.

The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan stating that its missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore will continue to play a key role in expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.