ISLAMABAD, May 28: In violation of the capital’s master plan, the Diplomatic Enclave is being extended to accommodate about 35 more foreign missions and residences of diplomats, well-informed sources said on Tuesday.

A senior CDA official told Dawn that a green area between Noorpur Shahan Village and Diplomatic Enclave would be included in the extension plan. However, the authority would have to seek permission from the Foreign Office and the Federal Cabinet for the purpose, he added.

He agreed that according to the city’s master plan, the CDA could not include green area in the Diplomatic Enclave, but once the government gave its approval, the extension work would be started.

“The eastern side of the Diplomatic Enclave is under no use, and can accommodate over 35 embassies,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, the sources disclosed that some Foreign Office officials called on the CDA chairman, Mir Laiq Shah, on Tuesday and asked him to initiate the extension project at the earliest. The CDA chairman was informed that some diplomats were facing problems due to non availability of space for their offices and residences in the enclave.

The sources said the project would adversely affect the security plan, which was implemented for the protection of the diplomatic area.

Under the plan, the entire Diplomatic Enclave was to be fenced, but, in case of extension, the fence would have to be removed at some places, resulting in wastage of money, the sources feared.

As part of the security measures, the number of police personnel deployed in the area has also been increased from 314 to 631, which is in addition to 585 Frontier Constabulary guards already present there.

Responding to a question, a CDA official said Diplomatic Enclave’s area had not been extended for last the 40 years despite manifold increase in foreign missions’ staff.