NGOs stop work in quake zone
MANSEHRA, Feb 26: Several national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have suspended their work in quake-hit areas following a terrorist attack on the office of an international NGO here.
The offices of most of NGOs remained closed and their field activities were stopped on Tuesday.
A heavy contingent of police and FC personnel was deployed in and outside the Ghazi Kot Township where offices of over 90 per cent of NGOs are located.
Sources said district police officer Mazaharul Haq Kakakhail held meetings with foreign staff members of some international NGOs and assured them full support.
The DPO advised them to take additional security measures and avoid going to fields without the security provided by police.
The sources said the district administration had sought the help of experts from various law-enforcement agencies to combat the terrorist threat.
Meanwhile, the country director of the Plan International, Mrs Mia Haglund Heelas, visited Mansehra on Tuesday and inquired after the health of people injured in Monday’s attack.
According to sources, the fourth victim of the attack has been identified. Plan International official Mohammad Ashfaq said the person was Nazakat Shah, a community member from Oghi.
He said that Plan International working in 124 remote villages of Mansehra had never received any threat.
The NGO, he said, was providing help to over 70,000 people in backward areas like Behali, Lassain Nawab, Oghi, Lassain Thakral, Hathimara, Parain and Gari Habibullah.
Funeral prayers for victims of the attack were offered in Mansehra and Oghi and were attended by thousands of people.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/27/2008
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