India demolishes unauthorized structures near Pakistan mission in Delhi

Indian authorities on Thursday, August 20, 2026, demolished structures and barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, an action officials described as a response to the removal of security barriers outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad three days earlier. The demolition targeted installations along the lane outside the compound, including queue-management setups near the visa section, which were found to be beyond the mission's approved boundary.

Using a JCB machine, agencies cleared metal railings, gates, roofing sheets, bricks, and concrete, leaving debris scattered across the paved area. The facade around the visa service windows appeared damaged, with portions of plaster and masonry broken away. Despite the demolition, the visa windows remained visible, marked with labels such as "Window 1," "Pakistani Passport Only," and "Window 5 Collection of Visa Applications." The main entrance of the Pakistan High Commission, featuring white walls, domed features, and large gates bearing the Pakistani emblem, was not affected. Barbed-wire fencing was visible along parts of the compound's perimeter.

The action followed the dismantling of security barricades...