The United States has directed the departure of non-emergency personnel and their family members from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan. This measure, implemented by the State Department, cites "safety risks" amidst escalating regional tensions that followed reported US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad's operational status remains unchanged.
Concurrently, Washington authorized the voluntary departure of staff from its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and Oman as a precautionary step. The U.S. government also reported significant efforts to assist American citizens in leaving the Middle East, stating that over 9,000 individuals have safely returned, including more than 300 from Israel.
In Pakistan, recent days have seen local protests, including an attempted storming of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi and clashes outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. Additionally, United Nations offices in northern cities were reportedly attacked. Officials stated that confrontations with security forces resulted in 34 fatalities and over 120 injuries.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/safety-risks-us-orders-non-emergency-staff-in-pakistan-to-leave-karachi-lahore-consulates/articleshow/129016031.cms
