Lahore diplomatic enclave plan advances, with US and China allocations proposed

The Punjab government is advancing plans for a 374-kanal Diplomatic Enclave at Bab-e-Pakistan under the Central Business

LAHORE:  The Punjab government is advancing plans for a 374-kanal Diplomatic Enclave at Bab-e-Pakistan under the Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) Bab District project, with the proposed development intended to accommodate foreign diplomatic missions, including those of the United States and China.

CBD Punjab Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin recently visited the site to review clearing operations and progress on the master plan. According to an official handout, the enclave is being developed to provide dedicated facilities for diplomatic missions while promoting international cooperation, economic engagement and investment in Punjab.

According to figures cited by sources familiar with the proposed allocation, approximately 120 kanals have been earmarked for the United States, while 65 kanals are proposed for China. The remaining area of around 189 kanals could accommodate other diplomatic missions, including those of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

However, the specific allocations and final allotments remain subject to official confirmation.

Earlier relocation plans faced delays

The proposed development follows earlier efforts to relocate the US diplomatic facility from the congested Mall Road area to a purpose-built site outside central Lahore.

In 2016, the Punjab government reportedly offered the United States 65 acres in LDA City, near Sidhar village, as part of a larger diplomatic enclave proposal. The plan faced delays linked to land acquisition across several villages and did not progress as initially envisaged.

The Bab-e-Pakistan location represents a different approach, placing the proposed enclave within the Walton area under CBD Punjab’s urban development framework.

The plan also follows previous engagement between American officials and local development authorities. In 2019, a US delegation reportedly contacted the Lahore Development Authority regarding available land, while US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer visited CBD Punjab in June 2023.

Security remains a key consideration

Security concerns have long influenced discussions about relocating the US Consulate General from central Lahore. During protests in September 2012 against an anti-Islam film, demonstrators approached the consulate, prompting police to use crowd-control measures to contain the situation.

The incident highlighted the challenges of protecting diplomatic facilities situated in densely populated urban areas.

The proposed enclave is expected to offer controlled access, dedicated infrastructure and security arrangements designed for diplomatic operations. Its final design and security provisions, however, will depend on the approved master plan and relevant authorities.

Economic and diplomatic significance

CBD Punjab has described the project as an initiative to strengthen Punjab’s position as a destination for international diplomatic engagement and investment. Establishing facilities for multiple foreign missions in one designated area could also support administrative coordination and improve infrastructure for diplomatic representation.

The proposed inclusion of both American and Chinese missions would place the two countries within the same broader development, although their respective facilities and security arrangements would remain separate.

Next steps

The project is expected to move forward through further master planning, allocation decisions and approvals from the relevant authorities. The timeline for construction, the final land distribution and the future relocation of the US Consulate General have not been independently confirmed.

If implemented as planned, the 374-kanal enclave would represent a significant addition to Lahore’s urban development landscape, potentially expanding the city’s role in diplomatic engagement alongside its established economic and commercial importance.

The project’s progress will depend on formal approvals, confirmed allocations and the completion of the necessary planning and construction stages.