US to Close Peshawar Consulate, Saving $7.5 Million Annually

Mar 12, 2026

63 min

Mar 12, 2026 13:30

US will permanently close the consulate in Peshawar

## Closure of Peshawar Consulate

The United States has decided to permanently shut down its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan. This decision, which has been in consideration for over a year, is part of a broader effort to downsize federal agencies initiated during the Trump administration. The closure is expected to save the US government approximately $7.5 million each year.

## Impact on Operations

The Peshawar consulate, located near the Afghan border, has been a crucial hub for operations and logistics, especially during and after the 2001 Afghanistan invasion. Despite its closure, the State Department assures that the ability to advance US interests in Pakistan will remain unaffected. Consular services will be transferred to the US Embassy in Islamabad, which is about 114 miles away.

## Financial and Logistical Details

The closure will involve a $3 million expenditure, primarily for relocating armoured trailers and other equipment to the US Embassy in Islamabad and consulates in Karachi and Lahore. The consulate currently employs 18 American diplomats and 89 local staff.

## Broader Context

This move is part of a larger reorganization within the State Department, which has seen significant staff reductions and restructuring. The Peshawar consulate is the first overseas mission to be completely closed as a result of these changes.

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