Aid worker stories
Pakistan Update 2: Insecurity in Islamabad
Justine Tordoff, RedR HR Director
Since I last wrote a few days ago, Islamabad has experienced riots by the local population protesting about significant price rises in public transport. Fortunately, things have now quietened down again, but not before at least one person was shot and a number of others injured. The situation here is such that a minor event can spark a significant security incident and according to various accounts, Islamabad is actually calm compared to many other parts of the country. 
However, despite all this, life continues as normal in the main, and the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone we have met has been amazing. From the staff in the hotel to the various personnel of different agencies we have met, people greet you with a warm smile and are willing to go out of their way to be of assistance. All the agencies we have met so far are very pleased to hear that RedR is setting up a programme here and indicate that there is a very strong need for our work.
At an event with a number of Country Directors of different agencies, the conversation constantly veered back to the security in the country and the challenges they face managing in such a context. International NGO staff are understandably still shocked about the recent killings of a number of World Vision staff in the country.
Negotiations on an office and a staff house continue, with the next step being to start purchasing essential items to enable us to start the training programmes as soon as possible. We have now got details of a contact who may be able to help us with logistics and purchasing and we are very pleased that we have been able to confirm the appointments of a Programme Manager and a Finance Manager, both of whom will start working for RedR in the next few weeks. We are also recruiting to 3 new training positions – details can be found on www.redr.org.uk/vacancies
As I write this, the sun is setting and the local mosque is calling people to prayer whilst preparations are underway in the hotel for a big wedding that will take place this evening. At least 500 guests will attend and the flowers and decorations being laid out in preparation are breathtaking. I am looking forward to seeing more as the event unfolds and the people start to arrive.....
