UCA News
Contribute

Kidnappings squeeze aid programs

Caritas says seven foreign staff have been abducted, four already in January
Kidnappings squeeze aid programs
Members of Caritas France visit Northern Province
Published: January 26, 2012 08:19 AM GMT
Updated: January 26, 2012 08:19 AM GMT

A rise in abductions of foreign workers by Islamist militants has curbed relief efforts in flood-affected parts of the country, say officials from Caritas Pakistan. Seven foreign aid workers have been kidnapped in the last six months, with four of them taken so far this month. “The security of visiting Caritas partners including officials and journalists has been our top concern,” said Amjad Gulzar, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan. “We have barred them from field visits to a few southern areas including rural Sindh province and restive Balochistan.” Islamist militants have targeted foreign aid workers, particularly those helping in flood relief, to get ransoms or concessions from the US or Pakistani governments. “Although Caritas visitors continue coming to the country, the aid workers [in general] can change their priorities including resources. The country still needs outside help and has to protect foreign workers helping the locals,” said Gulzar. Caritas Pakistan has provided roofing and other construction materials to families whose homes were damaged during flooding and heavy rains in 2010. “Shelter is still a basic need of people in three dioceses. However we had to delay the support, as funding had halted,” said Fr Joseph Louis, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan in Lahore. Ishaq Bulanda, coordinator of the disaster program for Caritas Pakistan in Multan, said the organization had to extend the number of beneficiaries after reassessing needs in flood-hit areas. “So far we have supported 1,150 families, most of them Muslims, but 295 still await help.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia