Aid workers told how to dress
2006-08-01 22:45
Islamabad - International relief agencies working in Pakistan's earthquake-affected areas
have been told to observe dress codes and behaviour that don't offend local sensitivities, said an official on Tuesday.
Local authorities in conservative North West Frontier
province are drawing up a code of conduct for the NGOs after
some Muslim clerics demanded the expulsion of women workers,
including Pakistanis from Mansehra town.
The clerics had set a deadline of August 1 for authorities to
expel the women whom they accused of dressing improperly,
mixing with men and drinking alcohol, which is banned in
Pakistan.
"We have constituted a co-ordination committee that will
issue guidelines to the NGOs about dress codes, the local
culture and values," said Sardar Yousuf, the district nazim, or
mayor.
The co-ordination committee is comprised of clerics, army
officers, local officials, and representatives of the NGOs.
"Generally, many of them know how to conduct themselves.
"But, we don't want to hear anyone complaining about their dressing
or conduct and creating an issue," Sardar said.
'Proper-fitting clothes'
He added: "We advise them to wear proper-fitting clothes that keep the body and head covered."
More than 50 international NGOs are based in Mansehra, carrying out relief and rehabilitation projects for the victims of a massive earthquake that killed more than 73 000 people and rendered millions homeless in Pakistan's Kashmir and Frontier provinces last October.
"The NGOs have done a lot of work in the affected areas and we don't want that derailed due to local sensitivities," said Yousuf.
Mansehra is the district where Balakot, one of the towns
hardest hit by a massive earthquake last October, is located.
Tehreek-e-Islaha Muashra, or the Movement to Cleanse Society,
started the agitation against the NGOs, and members said they
would follow whatever instructions their religious leaders gave.
"We have our reservations, but our leaders are in touch
with the local authorities and know what is best," said Mujahid Mohiuddin, a member of the movement.