UK aid body attacked in Pakistan

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A British aid agency has suspended its operations in Pakistan after at least three people were killed in an attack on one of its offices.

Plan International said gunmen stormed into its office in Mansehra without warning, opening fire indiscriminately.

The attackers set the premises on fire before fleeing in two Plan vehicles.

The children's charity has worked in the area for a decade and was active in providing aid following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.

No warning

Plan's chief executive Tom Miller said: "Plan was given no specific warning of a threat to its staff or offices at this time. The motive for the attack is still unknown.

"Our primary concern is for our staff and the families of those hurt in the attack."

The victims were all local members of staff. Another eight people were wounded.

John Slater from Plan International told BBC Radio Five Live: "Six to 12 men armed with guns and grenades entered the building and opened fire indiscriminately and then they set off three explosive devices.

"The building caught fire and eventually burnt down. Three of our local staff were killed and one was critically injured."

In a statement the Surrey-based charity said: "The attack comes as a shock as Plan has deep roots in the Mansehra area and has worked with the community for more than a decade."

Deemed 'un-Islamic'

The office had 21 full-time and seven part-time staff. At the time of the attack it was being protected by unarmed guards.

Plan International is one of hundreds of aid agencies with relief operations in Pakistan.

The BBC's Shoaib Hasan in Islamabad says its activities, especially the provision of education and health facilities to young girls, have been deemed un-Islamic by local clerics backed by pro-Taleban militants.

Founded more than 70 years ago, it works with over 3.5 million families in Africa, Asia and Latin America every year.

The charity provides schooling and other opportunities for children in Pakistan, and helped lead the relief effort after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.