UK calls back diplomat kids

By OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

London

Oct. 2: Britain has decided to withdraw the children of all its diplomats based in Pakistan after a review of security in the wake of the attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad in September.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has "decided that children of UK-based staff at the British high commission in Islamabad should return to the UK," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It has also offered an opportunity for other dependants, like spouses, who wish to return to the UK to do so. A number of other diplomatic missions in Islamabad have recently taken similar steps, the FCO added.

However, the foreign office was quick to clarify that the core work of the high commission in Islamabad would not be affected. "The UK is committed to maintaining its strong relationship with Pakistan, especially at this difficult time. The attack on the Marriott Hotel reinforces our shared determination to tackle violent extremism," the foreign office said.

In the latest travel advisory for Pakistan, the foreign office has again advised British nationals against all non-essential travel to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, in view of the heightened threat to Westerners. The FCO has also advised against using major international hotels which are frequented by Westerners at this time and against using the rail network across the whole of Pakistan. The travel advisory also suggests all travel to areas where there are reports of militant activity be dropped. "This applies particularly to: northern and western Balochistan, including the Dera Bugti and Kohlu areas"

the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, including Waziristan; Swat, North West Frontier Province; and all border areas except for official crossing points."