The United States has announced the closure of its consulate in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, the consulate’s operations will be wound down gradually. The decision was attributed to growing concerns over the safety of diplomatic personnel and the need for more efficient management of resources.

The State Department confirmed that all diplomatic functions and responsibilities related to the province will be transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The United States will continue to maintain its other missions in Karachi and Lahore. The statement emphasized that the move reflects Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security of its diplomatic staff and the effective use of its assets.

The Peshawar consulate has long served as a key diplomatic post near the Afghan border. The announcement comes at a time when Pakistan is playing a central role in efforts to facilitate peace talks between Washington and Tehran.