ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has decided to withdraw children of its Pakistan-based diplomats after raising the level of security for its staff over security concerns, the UN Information Center in Islamabad said Friday.

Truck suicide attack on Marriot Hotel on September 20 killed up-to 60 people, including Czech ambassador and two U.S defence officials.

The bombing in a high security zone and three incidents of kidnapping of foreigners in less than two months have created security concerns among diplomatic missions.

The U.S and Britain closed their visa sections and British Airways suspended flights to Pakistan. “The children and, possibly the spouses, of the international staff are advised to be relocated for an interim period,” the UN Information Center said.

It said that United Nations shall keep reviewing the security and safety situation in the country, and shall reduce the security level as and when the security situation improves. “Following a number of security incidents in the recent past, including the bombing of the Marriot Hotel, have drawn attention to the prevailing security situation in the country and the potential security risks to the international and national communities,” it said.

It said after a careful assessment of the security situation in the country and implications for the United Nations in Pakistan, the Secretary-General has raised the security phase for locations Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Quetta as nine districts of Baluchistan (Zhob, Chaman, Chagai, Qilla, Saifullah, Pishin, Sibi, Kholu and Dera Bugti).

The UN said there are a large number of United Nations entities working in socio-economic development and humanitarian relief field, which deliver much-needed support to the people of Pakistan.

The UN will strive to minimize any adverse affects of the high security measures on the scope and efficacy of its programs. “We wish to reaffirm that the United Nations stands committed to maintain its support and assistance to the people of Pakistan,” the Information Center said. nni

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