Islamabad, May 6 (SANA) The United States announced Tuesday that it plans to close its consulate in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, citing concerns for the safety of its diplomatic personnel.
According to Agence France-Presse, the U.S. State Department said in a statement that the embassy in Islamabad will assume responsibility for diplomatic engagement in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The department said the decision reflects Washington’s commitment to the safety of its diplomats and the efficient management of resources.
Additional details published on the official website of the U.S. mission in Pakistan said diplomatic activities related to the province would continue through the embassy in Islamabad and other U.S. missions in the country.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province borders Afghanistan and has witnessed repeated clashes and attacks involving Pakistani forces and armed groups.
The announcement comes after an incident in March in the city of Karachi, where protesters breached the outer perimeter of the U.S. consulate. The unrest reportedly involved gunfire and left at least 10 people dead.
R.D/R.K
