March 10, 2010

World Vision is in mourning today after the brutal and senseless deaths of six 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, eight employees are hospitalized with injuries.

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 temporarily suspended.

World Vision remembers those staff who have died as dedicated people seeking to improve the lives of people affected by poverty and disasters.

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 and Punjab Province with emergency relief assistance and community development initiatives. After the devastating October 2005 earthquake, World Vision expanded its operations in Pakistan.