ICRC to announce future of Pakistan operations soon

Government assures ICRC, personnel of security to continue welfare programmes.

ISLAMABAD: International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC will announce in coming weeks strategy on its future presence and set up in Pakistan, the head of an ICRC delegation Paul Castella said on Friday.

In meeting with States and Frontier Regions SAFRON Minister Engr. Shaukatullah Khan, Paul expressed his grievances and concerns over brutal murder of Khalil Rasjed Dale, the ICRC Health Program manager who’s dead body was recovered from Quetta last week. ICRC's offices in Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi were subsequently put on hold, an official handout had said.

He said the government is committed to providing security to all citizens without any discrimination. He assured ICRC head of delegation provision of full security for its offices, employees and consultations with concerned authority will be take place. He said ICRC was working for welfare of the people of Pakistan and should continue its activities.

Shaukat said ICRC will start its operational activities with new enthusiasm for betterment of those most vulnerable, including wounded, sick, physically disabled. He hoped ICRC will review its decision, understand current situation facing Pakistan and resume its activities soon. Paul thanked Minister's efforts, assurance for support and commitment.

In an interview in London in late April, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had condemned the incident and expressed his sorrow and grief with his family. But he maintained that Dale’s visa had expired and that the ICRC official had failed to follow government’s advice of not travelling to Balochistan.