ISLAMABAD – The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the closure of its food distribution centre in Khar district of Bajaur Agency following a deadly suicide bombing outside the facility on Saturday.
“WFP’s food distribution operations across Bajaur have been suspended. It has four food distribution points in Bajaur, all of which have been closed,” Amjad Jamal, WFP spokesman told Pakistan Today. Asked whether the closure was permanent, the spokesman said the distribution centre had been closed temporarily and would be reopened one the security situation improved.
“We cannot reopen the centres at present, but we will definitely reopen them when security forces give us a clearance in this regard,” he said. Jamal said it was impossible for WFP to continue food distribution due to security threats and fear among aid workers as well as recipients.
“The threats do not pertain to WFP staff only, rather recipients are also reluctant to come to the distribution points for fear of their life,” Jamal said. Asked if there was any international staff member in the facility at the time of the explosion, Jamal said WFP did not have international staff in areas which posed security risks.
