Red Cross to resume operations in Pakistan but on smaller scale after killing of staffer

GENEVA – The Red Cross says it will resume its work in Pakistan but is cutting its staff by more than half in response to the killing of a British nurse working for the organization.

The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross says it decided following a major internal review that it should continue its work, but at a reduced scale.

The organization had shut down most of its operations due to the April 2012 slaying in Quetta of Khalil Rasjed Dale, a health program manager.

Paul Castella, head of ICRC’s delegation in Islamabad, said in a statement Tuesday that the organization will continue to work in Pakistan only if conditions are adequate.

He says ICRC will co-ordinate with Pakistan authorities to reopen its surgical hospital in Peshawar.