UN equates Pak security situation to Kabul, Somalia

Islamabad, Oct 3 : Amid the volatile security situation in Pakistan, especially after the September 20 suicide attack on Hotel Marriott killing 60 people, the United Nations has reportedly declared Islamabad "unsafe" for children of its staff, and equated it (Islamabad) to Afghan Capital Kabul and Somalia.

The UN ordered that the kids of its staff should be withdrawn and put in their respective home countries.

Pakistan's crumbling security situation was witnessed yesterday when a suicide bomber failed in his attempt to assassinate a prominent anti-Taliban politician. Meanwhile, troops killed around 27 militants in the restive northwest.

Pakistan is under intense US pressure to combat militants responsible for rising attacks in neighboring Afghanistan. Its faltering efforts so far have been met with a blur of suicide attacks in Pakistani cities.

The UN, which employs more than 2000 people in Pakistan, including about 100 foreigners, has not been hit by the current wave of violence.

However, the truck bombing of Islamabad's Marriott Hotel has prompted the world body as well as foreign missions to review security and also withdraw its staff and their kids.

ANI