The United States has announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, with diplomatic responsibilities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be transferred to its embassy in Islamabad.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State said the move is part of efforts to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and improve the management of resources.

Despite the closure, the department said U.S. policy priorities in Pakistan remain unchanged and engagement with the people and government officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue through the embassy in Islamabad.

It added that the United States will keep working to strengthen economic ties, support regional security and advance broader bilateral interests in the region.

The department also reaffirmed its commitment to relations with Pakistan through its remaining diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

No timeline for the full closure of the Peshawar consulate was announced.