Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) — The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday it was suspending its work in Pakistan pending a review of its presence in the South Asian country.
The decision comes after the killing of Khalil Rasjed Dale, a 60-year old health program manager who was abducted four months ago in Balochistan. His body was found last month.
The 900 national staff members of the Red Cross have been placed on paid leave, and 80 foreign staffers have been flown to Islamabad, said spokesman Christian Cardon.
“Over the last few years unfortunately, it has become very dangerous not only in Pakistan but all over the world with the ICRC staff being targeted and coming under attack,” Cardon said.
Jacques de Maio, the head of Red Cross operations for South Asia, said the aid agency was compelled to “completely reassess the balance between the humanitarian impact of our activities and the risks faced by our staff.”
The organization has halted all all its activities and said it was painfully aware of the consequences on the wounded, sick and other vulnerable people.
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