US pulls diplomatic staff from Karachi, Lahore amid pro-Iran protests in Pakistan

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-Presse,ReutersMarch 5, 2026 at 02:13 AM

AI Summary

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The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan, citing safety risks. This decision follows protests in Pakistan against US-Israeli strikes on Iran, during which demonstrators attempted to storm the Karachi consulate. US Marines reportedly opened fire on protesters during the Karachi incident, though it remains unclear if anyone was struck. The State Department also authorized the voluntary departure of staff from US missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and Oman. The US embassy in Islamabad remains open.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Oman 30% Cyprus 30% Islamabad 40% Saudi Arabia 40% Israel ×260% US Marines ×260% Lahore ×270% Iran ×370% State Department 70% Karachi ×480% Pakistan ×490% United States ×690%

Keywords

us diplomatic staff 90% pro-iran protests 90% pakistan 90% karachi 80% consulate 70% lahore 70% us-israeli strikes 70% safety risks 60% us marines 60% political unrest 50%