ISLAMABAD, March 20: The United States embassy and consulates closed temporarily on Thursday following the US-led attack on Iraq.

US embassy spokeswoman Linda Cheatham, citing “security reasons”, told APP the embassy and the consulates at Peshawar and Lahore had been closed “temporarily”.

The closure means suspended services, including issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visa services “until further notice.”

The consulate in Karachi closed its public operations indefinitely on Aug 5, last year “due to security concerns.”

The state department advised private American citizens in the country to “consider departing.” The consular personnel remained available to provide emergency information and services to American citizens, it said.—APP

Our reporter adds: Non-essential staff of the US embassy have left Pakistan on Thursday following the US invasion of Iraq, sources told Dawn.

They said that the embassy staff had left on the instructions of the US state department for security reasons.

Meanwhile, Capital police has chalked out security arrangements for the protection of diplomats in view possible backlash of the US attacks on Iraq.

A police official said that reserved personnel had been called for duty in the federal capital and intelligence network had also been expanded.

He said that negotiations with the head of Madaris and Ulema were on to convince them to remain cool. “In case of any demonstrations, we will boost security for the peaceful conclusion of protests,” he added.