Authorities Remove Unapproved Structures Outside Pakistan High Commission in Delhi

Authorities on Thursday removed structures and barricades found to be outside the approved boundary of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, in an action that came three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly dismantled protective security barricades outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The operation was carried out by the agencies concerned using a JCB machine, with traffic bollards, metal barricades and other external structures removed from the lane outside the diplomatic mission.

Officials said the structures being removed were located beyond the approved boundary of the Pakistan High Commission. The action also affected installations used for managing queues near the mission's visa section. Authorities dismantled the external security perimeter that had previously surrounded parts of the diplomatic compound, clearing the area of barricades and other structures. Visuals from the site showed rubble, broken railings, metal frames and pieces of concrete scattered across the paved area following the demolition.

Sections of the outer structures, including corrugated roofing and white metal fencing, were pulled down during the operation. Construction material and broken fencing were seen around the counters, while parts of the facade near service windows appeared damaged, with plaster and masonry broken away. The main entrance to the Pakistan High Commission, including its white walls, domed features and large metal gates bearing the Pakistani emblem, remained intact. Barbed-wire fencing was also visible along parts of the compound's perimeter.

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The development comes three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly removed protective security barricades positioned outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The timing has led to the action being viewed as a reciprocal move amid strained relations between India and Pakistan. However, the Indian authorities' stated basis for the operation was that the structures removed in New Delhi were located outside the approved boundary of the Pakistani diplomatic mission.

The latest development comes amid other diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Pakistan had on Wednesday raised an objection with the United States over remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Srinagar. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and praised the security situation in the Valley, prompting Pakistan to summon US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad and lodge a protest.

There was no official indication that the removal of structures outside the Pakistan High Commission was connected to Pakistan's reaction to the US ambassador's remarks on Kashmir. The immediate action instead followed the reported removal of security barricades outside India's diplomatic mission in Islamabad. The developments come against the backdrop of continuing diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Islamabad, with measures affecting diplomatic missions adding another point of contention between the two sides.

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