ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A series of explosions erupted across northern Pakistan on Monday, including at least three in a highly protected area near the United States Consulate in the city of Peshawar, according to Pakistani authorities and news media.

Pakistani television networks showed footage of a giant cloud dust and debris rising from the Saddar area in Peshawar shortly after 1 p.m. Local media reported that there had been three blasts. Authorities cordoned off the area and gunfire was heard long after the explosions, which seemed to indicate a siege-like situation was developing.

The consulate is located in the area, and local reporters said it appeared that it had been one of the targets. A police station appeared to have been another one.