RAWALPINDI, Nov 7: The plan to fence and erect brick wall around the Diplomatic Enclave has hit snags immediately after the start of the construction work, Dawn has learnt reliably.

The work on the already delayed project has been started recently, but it is unlikely that it will be completed within the stipulated time as some foreign embassies have raised objection to the plan, official sources told Dawn.

“Owing to technical and other problems, the project is unlikely to be completed within the stipulated time. An ambassador came out of his embassy and asked to stop the construction work, saying he would talk to the authorities concerned,” Mr Tariq, the contractor, told Dawn.

Some foreign missions believe that the construction plan will create parking and security problems for them. The CDA is likely to convene a meeting of the stakeholders to discuss their reservations, the contractor said.

When asked for comments, Superintendent of Police Ehsan Sadiq, in charge of Diplomatic Enclave security affairs, said there was no need of building the brick wall because it would present an ugly look. “Barbed-wire fencing was enough,” he said.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) sub-engineer Mr Mukhtar, when contacted, said senior police officials were contacted when the construction plan was chalked out. “If they had any idea, they should have forwarded it to the CDA chairman or the interior ministry at that time,” he said.

The need to build the fence was felt after the terrorist attack on Protestant International Church at the Diplomatic Enclave on March 17, 2002.

The two-phase construction work on 8,000 feet (2.44km) brick wall and 19,000 feet (5.79km) barbed-wire fencing is scheduled to be completed within five months at a cost of Rs19.98 million.

The height of the wall, topped with barbed-wire, will be 7-1/2 feet.

According to the plan, 20 security posts and three checkposts will be built. The construction plan also included three entrance gates. Moreover, one Rescue 15 office will be constructed along the wall.

Earlier, the construction work had to be started on July 1, but due to bureaucratic hurdles, it was delayed.

The VIPs and Diplomatic Protection Department, already performing the security duty in the area, will be equipped with modern telecommunication devices, surveillance system, alarms and vehicles. Besides, computerized entry system will be introduced at gates and search lights installed.