The US has announced a phased closure of its Consulate in Pakistan’s Peshawar with its responsibilities set to be transferred to the US Embassy in the south Asian country’s capital city of Islamabad. The move, confirmed by the State Department, is being undertaken with a focus on ensuring the safety of diplomatic personnel and improving resource efficiency, while maintaining Washington’s engagement in the region.
In an official communication, the Office of the Spokesperson said, “The US Department of State is announcing the phased closure of the US Consulate General in Peshawar. Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the US Embassy in Islamabad”.
The statement further emphasised that “This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management”.
Despite the closure of its physical presence in Peshawar, the US underlined that its broader policy priorities in Pakistan remain unchanged.
“While our physical presence in Peshawar is changing, the Administration’s policy priorities in Pakistan remain steadfast,” the statement noted.
It added that Washington would continue to engage with the region to “foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people”.
The State Department also reiterated its commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations through its remaining missions.
“The Department, through the US Mission to Pakistan, remains dedicated to advancing the US-Pakistan relationship through our remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore,” it said.
The decision follows earlier indications reported in March this year that the consulate would be permanently shut.
At the time, the State Department had informed Congress of its intent, noting that the closure could save approximately USD 7.5 million annually without compromising US strategic interests in Pakistan.
The move had been under review for over a year as part of a broader downsizing effort initiated during the Trump administration, which targeted several federal agencies.
The Peshawar consulate, located near the Afghan border, has historically played a significant role in US operations related to Afghanistan.
It served as a key logistical and diplomatic hub before, during, and after the 2001 invasion, facilitating overland access to Afghanistan and providing assistance to American citizens and Afghan nationals in the region.
According to the notification, the consulate currently employs 18 American personnel and 89 local staff.
The closure process is expected to cost around USD 3 million, with a major portion allocated to relocating infrastructure such as armoured office trailers, vehicles, and telecommunications equipment to Islamabad and other US missions in Pakistan.
Consular services previously offered in Peshawar will now be handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad, located approximately 184 kilometres away.
The State Department maintained that “The closure would not adversely affect the mission’s ability to advance core US national interests, assist US citizens, or to conduct adequate oversight of foreign assistance programs because all of those functions would continue to be performed by US Embassy Islamabad”.
Overall, the phased shutdown marks a significant shift in US diplomatic operations in Pakistan’s north-west, reflecting changing strategic priorities while retaining a continued commitment to engagement in the country.
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