As protests against a blasphemous film continued on the third consecutive day, the United States on Tuesday halted public dealing at all its diplomatic missions in Pakistan. According to statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad, all diplomatic missions in the country would be temporarily closed for public due to security concerns. Meanwhile, US diplomatic personnel were shifted to an undisclosed location from the consulate in Karachi, as angry protesters tried storming into the diplomatic building in the red zone of Pakistan’s financial hub.
Clashes between police and mob continued as protesters tried to reach the consulate building. Police used tear gas, aerial firing and water cannon to stop people. Following the violent protests across Pakistan against the anti-Islam film, the security has been tightened in Peshawar as well. Fearing security risk and traffic problems, the authorities have blocked the road that leads to the US Consulate, as protests continued in the city on Tuesday. Heavy contingents of police have been deployed on the entry and exit points of the consulate, while the police have been put on high alert in other parts of the city. The US consulate in Lahore was also vacated, and its staff shifted to safer places, local media reports said. The authorities have blocked all roads leading to the US diplomatic building in Lahore.
