Authorities on Thursday removed traffic bollards and barricades placed outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, including queue liners near the mission’s visa section.
The structures were reportedly positioned outside the designated perimeter of the diplomatic compound in a lane. Visuals from the area showed damaged barricades and security personnel near walls outside the Pakistan High Commission.
The development comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions involving India, Pakistan and the United States over recent remarks on Jammu and Kashmir by US envoy Sergio Gor.
However, there is no official confirmation that the removal of the barricades was connected to the diplomatic dispute. Authorities have not publicly stated the reason for removing the structures.
Pakistan objects to US envoy’s Kashmir remarks
The development came a day after Pakistan strongly objected to remarks by US envoy Sergio Gor, who described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad and issued what it described as a “strong demarche” over Gor’s visit and comments.
Islamabad said the remarks were factually incorrect and rejected the description of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India. Pakistan also argued that the comments were inconsistent with what it described as the United States’ longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.
The United States has maintained that differences between India and Pakistan over Kashmir should be resolved bilaterally, while New Delhi has consistently rejected third-party mediation.
Kashmir discussions gain focus
Gor’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir was his first to the region in six years. His remarks came as political leaders in the region sought a review of the US travel advisory for Kashmir, arguing that it has implications for the tourism sector and local livelihoods.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also held discussions with Gor, with the talks focusing on India-US relations and Washington’s possible role concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
While the removal of the barricades outside the Pakistani mission has drawn attention against this diplomatic backdrop, officials have not established any direct connection between the two developments.
For now, the action appears to be an administrative or security-related measure, with its exact rationale yet to be officially clarified.
