Aid workers in Pakistan told how to dress

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug 2 (Reuters) International relief agencies working in Pakistan's earthquake affected areas have been told to observe dress codes and behaviour that don't offend local sensitivities, an official said.

Local authorities in conservative North West Frontier Province are drawing up a code of conduct for the NGOs after some Muslim clerics demanded the expulsion of women workers including Pakistanis from Mansehra town.

The clerics had set a deadline of Aug 1 for authorities to expel the women whom they accused of dressing improperly, mixing with men and drinking alcohol, which is banned in Pakistan.

''We have constituted a coordination committee that will issue guidelines to the NGOs about dress codes the local culture and values,'' Sardar Yousuf, the district nazim, or mayor, told Reuters yesterday.

The coordination committee is comprised of clerics, army officers, local officials, and representatives of the NGOs.

''Generally many of them know how to conduct themselves. But we don't want to hear anyone complaining about their dressing or conduct and creating an issue,'' Sardar said and added.'' We advise them to wear proper fitting clothes that keep the body and head covered.

More than 50 international NGOs are based in Mansehra carrying out relief and rehabilitation projects for the victims of a massive earthquake that killed over 73,000 people and rendered millions homeless in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Frontier province last October.

''The NGOs have done a lot of work in the affected areas and we don't want that derailed due to local sensitivities,'' Yousuf said.

Mansehra is the district where Balakot, one of the towns hardest hit by a massive earthquake last October, is located.

Tehreek-e-Islaha Muashra, or Movement to Cleanse Society, started the agitation against the NGOs, and members said they would follow whatever instructions their religious leaders gave.

''We have our reservations, but our leaders are in touch with the local authorities and know what is best,'' said Mujahid Mohiuddin, a member of the movement.

REUTERS VJ BST0430