US to close consulate in Pakistan’s Peshawar citing safety concerns

(Reuters) - The United States will close its consulate ​in Pakistan's Peshawar, citing the ‌safety of its diplomats, the State Department said in a statement published ​on Tuesday.

The U.S. embassy ​in Islamabad will handle all diplomatic ⁠engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ​province, where Peshawar is the capital, ​the State Department said.

"This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our ​diplomatic personnel and efficient ​resource management," the statement said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa borders ‌Afghanistan, ⁠and has seen attacks, opens new tab and fierce fighting between Pakistan forces and what Islamabad says are Afghan-backed militants.

Ten ​people were killed ​in ⁠March when protesters breached the outer wall of ​the U.S. consulate in ​Karachi, Pakistan's ⁠biggest city, after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed ⁠in ​strikes on Iran.