New Delhi on Thursday removed a section of structures and barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission, in an action that came three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly dismantled protective security barricades outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The structures outside the Pakistan mission were found to be beyond the compound’s approved boundary, according to officials. Agencies used a JCB machine to demolish the installations along the lane outside the diplomatic premises.
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The action resulted in the removal of traffic bollards, metal barricades and other structures that had previously formed an external security perimeter around the Pakistan High Commission. Queue-management installations near the visa section were also removed.
Visuals from the site showed rubble scattered across the paved area, with broken metal railings, gates, twisted metal frames and pieces of concrete left behind following the demolition.
Sections of the outer structures, including corrugated roofing and white metal fencing, were pulled down. Parts of the facade near service windows also appeared damaged, with plaster and masonry broken away. Construction material and pieces of fencing could be seen around the counters.
The main entrance of the Pakistan High Commission, featuring white walls, domed architectural elements and large metal gates bearing Pakistan’s emblem, remained intact. Barbed-wire fencing was still visible along parts of the compound’s perimeter.
The development comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistani authorities had reportedly removed protective security barricades positioned outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad three days earlier.
The latest action in Delhi therefore carries the appearance of a tit-for-tat response, although there was no immediate official confirmation that the two incidents were directly linked.
The move also comes amid a fresh diplomatic disagreement involving Pakistan and the United States over remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Srinagar.
During the visit, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and praised the security situation in the Valley. His comments drew a strong reaction from Pakistan.
Islamabad subsequently summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and lodged a protest over the ambassador’s remarks on Kashmir.
There is, however, no official indication that Thursday’s removal of structures outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was connected to Pakistan’s diplomatic protest over Gor’s comments.
The demolition nevertheless highlights the continuing sensitivity surrounding diplomatic premises and security arrangements involving India and Pakistan. The developments come against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations, with actions involving diplomatic missions closely watched for possible reciprocal measures.
The Pakistan High Commission itself remained operational, while the principal entrance and core compound structures were not demolished.
Officials have so far focused on the structures and installations outside the approved boundary of the diplomatic premises.
The latest development is expected to attract attention in both capitals as India and Pakistan continue to maintain tense diplomatic relations.
