Attack on PLAN office Pakistan

3 killed and 10 wounded; HealthNet TPO staff unharmed

Armed men invaded the office of the British relief organization Plan in Mansehra (Pakistan) on Monday 25 February. During the attack, three staff members were killed and ten injured, of whom one is still in peril of death. HealthNet TPO’s office is in the direct neighborhood of the PLAN building. No HealthNet TPO staff members got injured during the assault.

The attackers fled after the assault. They were chased by the Pakistan police force. Shots were fired from both sides, but there is no information on possible arrests yet.

Motives unknown
There is no clarity on the identity of the attackers, nor on the motives of the assault. PLAN and HealthNet TPO have been working for years in this area without any major incidents until now. HealthNet TPO, in cooperation with PLAN, gives psychosocial support to the victims of the earthquake of 2005. There is close cooperation between both organizations and the staff is very much involved in each others’ work. The death of the three staff members not only resulted in the loss of great colleagues, but also in the loss of good friends. Both organizations have good contacts with both the local population and the local authorities. All staff members are of Pakistani descent. The organizations have not received any threats prior to this incident.

Activities on hold
HealthNet TPO director Willem van de Put is shocked by this attack: “Although we are glad that our staff is not injured, our thoughts are with the PLAN staff members that were killed. We wish their families and friends strength to cope with the loss and, where possible, we will offer support.” The deceased PLAN staff members are being buried today. Awaiting more information on the facts of the incident, HealthNet TPO’s activities in Pakistan are on hold.