Plan to shift consulates, offices of foreign NGOs halted

PESHAWAR Shifting of foreign consulates and offices of foreign NGOs to new location in University Town Peshawar for security reasons was halted after reservations from concerned foreign officials. The government of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa owing to security reasons had decided to shift all foreign consulates and offices of foreign NGOs to University Town. Sources told TheNation, The foreign diplomats are concerned about security in University Town and are not ready to shift therefore the process of shifting which was to be started on November 1 is halted. Earlier it was decided to accommodate all foreign diplomats, other staff and their residences at one place for adequate security for which construction of diplomatic enclave on the pattern of Islamabad was also finalised. All the areas in University Town will be declared VIP areas with heavy security arrangements. The town administration had allocated a land for the purpose in the town and the authorities had also given a nod for clearing all the surrounding areas. All arrangements were finalised for establishment of diplomatic enclave and temporary shifting of the foreign consulates and staff was to commence from 1st November, however, owing to objections from foreign diplomats it would not be started. Sources said the provincial and federal governments are negotiating with foreign countries to sort out the matter soon.