The International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) of the United Nations announced that it has restored Islamabad’s status as a family station, allowing UN personnel to travel with their families to Pakistan.
This is a positive development on which we all worked together https://t.co/7JHMB3BofM
— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) June 20, 2019
A letter from the office of the ICSC chairperson, Larbi Djacta, notifying the development, states: “I, under the delegated authority of the Commission, discontinued the non-family status of the duty station Islamabad, Pakistan effective 14 June 2019.”
Alhamdulillah. A tangible acknowledgment of the improved security environment and dividend of effective diplomacy.#PakistanZindabad https://t.co/DdQRyM35bf
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) June 20, 2019
The letter states that the decision was made following a security evaluation of the capital city and on the recommendation made by the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Department for Safety and Security. After a rise in terrorism and political hostility, Pakistan was declared “too hostile” and was given a status of a “non-famaily duty station”. According to the ISCS website, “a non-family duty station” is one where the United Nations Department of Safety and Security decides that “for reasons of safety and security, all eligible dependants are restricted from being present at the duty station for a period of six months or longer”.
Alhamdulillah The United Nations yesterday restored Pakistan’s status as a family station for its international staff. Pakistan stepped ahead in peace efforts & better security conditions.Thanks to Pakistan Armed Forces & Never forget Sacrifice of Pak against Terror. pic.twitter.com/HR0uFgDmHY
— Ali Mukhtar (@MalikAliMukhtar) June 21, 2019
Twitter blew up with the news, with many citizens seeing this a way towards progress and improvement within the country. Let’s hope it is.