Several structures built outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were demolished on Thursday after an official inspection found that they extended beyond the approved and designated limits of the diplomatic mission, officials said.
The concerned agencies carried out the demolition using a JCB machine. The operation also removed barricades, iron fencing and other temporary structures placed in the road lane outside the High Commission.
Structures installed near the visa section to manage queues were also removed during the operation. A large amount of construction debris was left scattered around the area.
Debris found outside visa section
Broken iron railings, gates, metal frames, roofing sheets, bricks and pieces of concrete and plaster were seen outside the visa section following the demolition.
Parts of the white metal fencing and corrugated roofing along the outer perimeter were also removed.
Service counters of the visa section remained visible, including signs marked “Window 1,” “Pakistani Passport Only” and “Window-5 / Collection of Visa Applications.” Broken fencing and construction material were seen around the counters.
Main High Commission building unaffected
The demolition did not affect the main building of the Pakistan High Commission.
The complex’s main entrance, white boundary walls, dome-shaped structure and large gate bearing the Pakistani emblem remained intact. Barbed wire was also visible along parts of the outer boundary.
Officials said the action was based on the finding that some structures had been constructed outside the approved limits of the High Commission.
Action comes days after similar measures in Islamabad
The demolition in New Delhi comes days after Pakistan removed security barricades and parking poles placed outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
However, there is no official confirmation that the two incidents are connected.
Officials in Delhi have cited only the alleged construction of unauthorised structures beyond the approved limits as the reason for Thursday’s action.
