Published: March 10, 2010

World Vision: Pakistan Attack 'Brutal and Senseless'

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Vision today is mourning the brutal and senseless deaths of five members our staff in the Mansehra District of Pakistan after an unprovoked attack by gunmen.

The international humanitarian organization is seeking to confirm reports that gunmen first set off bombs or grenades, then opened fire on the office, located 65 kilometers north of the capital, Islamabad.

In addition to those killed, seven employees are hospitalized with injuries and one staff member is missing.

No threatening letters were received prior to the attack.

World Vision's relief and development work in Pakistan is conducted by local citizens.

All of World Vision's operations in the country have been suspended indefinitely.

Those who kill humanitarian workers must be reminded that they are not only killing their own country's residents, but also people seeking to improve the lives of victims of poverty and injustice.

Since 1992, World Vision has primarily focused on relief interventions in Pakistan. The work expanded in 2001, when the agency began collaborating with other aid groups in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Punjab Province with emergency relief assistance and community development initiatives. After the devastating October 2005 earthquake, World Vision expanded it operations in Pakistan.

SOURCE World Vision