USAID offices closed down in Islamabad following threat calls

ISLAMABAD: US authorities have closed all USAID offices in the Pakistani capital after officials of the organisation received threats from
unidentified persons.

American authorities decided to close the offices after two USAID officials received threats on the phone, a TV news channel reported.

The US authorities also suggested that USAID officials should put in place extra security measures. Pakistanis working for the agency, which has a sizeable presence in the country, were directed to work from home.

The US embassy is perhaps the most highly guarded diplomatic mission in Islamabad. Following recent threats from the Taliban, other foreign organisations, including the United Nations, have increased security at their offices across Pakistan.