Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Mar 12: The United States Department of State has decided to permanently close the United States Consulate in Peshawar in Peshawar, Pakistan, a diplomatic mission that has long served as the closest American outpost to the Afghan border.
According to a notification sent to the United States Congress and obtained by Associated Press, the closure is expected to save about $7.5 million annually while not affecting the US’ ability to pursue its national interests in Pakistan.
The consulate had played a key role before, during and after the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, serving as a major operational and logistics hub because of its proximity to the Afghan border and the Afghan capital Kabul.
Officials said the decision had been under consideration for more than a year as part of downsizing efforts initiated during the administration of Donald Trump. Authorities clarified that the move is unrelated to the ongoing tensions involving Iran, which have recently triggered protests in Pakistani cities including Karachi and Peshawar.
The closure forms part of broader restructuring within the State Department, which last year included the dismissal of thousands of diplomatic personnel and the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
According to the notice, the Peshawar mission currently employs 18 American diplomats and government personnel along with 89 local staff members. The department expects to spend about $3 million to shut down the facility, with $1.8 million allocated for relocating armored trailers used as temporary office spaces.
Additional expenses will cover the transfer of vehicles, telecommunications systems, electronic equipment and office furniture to the United States Embassy in Islamabad and remaining US consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
Due to its strategic location, the Peshawar consulate had served as a key entry point for overland travel into Afghanistan and a contact centre for American citizens in northwestern Pakistan as well as Afghan nationals seeking assistance.
Following the closure, all consular services will be handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad, located roughly 114 miles from Peshawar, the department said.