WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, May 6, 2026 — The United States has announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, citing security concerns and efforts to improve resource management, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.
The U.S. Department of State said responsibility for diplomatic engagement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be handled by the U.S. Embassy Islamabad.
“While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast,” the department said in a statement, adding that the decision reflects a commitment to the safety of diplomatic personnel and efficient use of resources.
The closure marks a shift in the U.S. diplomatic footprint in Pakistan, though officials stressed that engagement with local authorities and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue.
The State Department said it will maintain active diplomatic relations through its remaining missions in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, ensuring continued support for economic cooperation, regional security, and bilateral ties.
It added that the United States remains committed to strengthening its relationship with Pakistan and will continue to engage with officials and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through alternative diplomatic channels.
The move comes amid broader adjustments in U.S. global diplomatic deployments aimed at aligning resources with evolving security conditions and strategic priorities.
Despite the closure of the Peshawar consulate, Washington emphasized that its long-term policy objectives in Pakistan remain unchanged, particularly in areas of trade, security cooperation, and regional stability.