US Embassy in Pakistan Cancels Visa Appointments Amid Unrest Following False Rumors of Iranian Leader's Death

Islamabad. The US Embassy in Pakistan has canceled all its visa appointments following violence that erupted after rumors spread about the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Citing a serious security situation, the embassy decided to suspend all services until the upcoming date (March 6).

Visa interviews at the embassy in the capital, Islamabad, as well as at the consulate offices in Lahore and Karachi, have been completely halted. The situation became tense after protesters attacked the US Consulate in Karachi last Sunday.

US Military Confirms Firing Shots

At least 10 protesters died in the clash in Karachi. According to the Reuters news agency, US Marine commandos stationed there opened fire after protesters attempted to breach the outer wall and enter the consulate premises. US officials have, for the first time, admitted that their Marines were involved in the shooting.

However, it is claimed that an investigation is underway to determine whether the deaths were caused by bullets fired by the Marines or by private security personnel and local police on duty for security.

Anti-US protests began across Pakistan after rumors spread that Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel military strike. Security forces used force after an agitated crowd targeted the US diplomatic mission in Karachi.

Sindh provincial government spokesperson Sukhdev Asardas Hemnani confirmed that shots were fired by security personnel but did not elaborate on who fired them. Security has been tightened in major cities across Pakistan, and US diplomatic staff have been placed on high alert.