ISLAMABAD, June 14: The US government has temporarily closed its embassy and consulates in the country following Friday’s terrorist attack outside the US consulate in Karachi.

“We have only temporarily closed the embassy and consulates following the blast,” US embassy spokesperson Mark Wentworth told Dawn.

He said the embassy and consulate were closed temporarily as a precautionary measure.

Pakistan had beefed up security around diplomatic missions in the country following the first suicide terrorist attack at Protestant International Church in Islamabad on March 17.

Similar security measures were proposed to be implemented around diplomatic missions and other place of foreign residents after the suicide attack in Karachi during May which left 11 French and three Pakistanis dead.

The American Centre in Islamabad has been closed for public since March.

Mr Wentworth said the US government would continue to provide services through its embassy and consulates in the country when they re-open shortly after security evaluation.