UN suspends development work in NWFP, tribal areas

Source Dawn (Pakistan)

Citing security concerns, the UN suspended long-term development work in two key areas along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan on Monday, a blow to international efforts to counter the rising militancy. The decision, which applies to Pakistan's tribal areas and North West Frontier Province, comes amid a wave of recent attacks in the country that killed some 250 people last month. Eleven UN staff have been killed in attacks in Pakistan this year. The UN will reduce the level of international staff in the country and confine its work to emergency, humanitarian relief, and security operations, and also 'any other essential operations as advised by the secretary-general,' the organization said in a statement.