Islamabad: Citing "intense security situation" in the region, the United Nations today announced that it was pulling out all but essential international staff from Pakistan's northwest and tribal areas.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has declared a security level of "Phase IV" for the North West Frontier Province and tribal areas, under which only emergency operations will be carried out in the region and security measures for staff will be enhanced.

"The decision has been taken bearing in mind the intense security situation in the region," said a statement issued by the UN.

The UN is reducing the level of international staff in the country and confining its work only to emergency humanitarian relief and security operations, the statement said.

Source: PTI

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