Despite security crackdowns, Taliban militants have been carrying out bombings that have spread from their strongholds along a north-west tribal belt to major cities. Rizvi said the relocation was decided because "the safety and security situation in the country and safety of staff members is highly important for the United Nations".
She said the decision would not end any UN projects in Pakistan. In October, a suicide bomber dressed as a paramilitary soldier blew himself up in an office of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Islamabad, killing five members of staff.