Pakistan kicks out charity’s foreign staff

The charity has come under Pakistani government scrutiny because of reports it helped arrange meetings between the US and a doctor who allegedly helped hunt down Osama bin Laden, a charge which the group has vehemently denied.

The expulsion order comes among heightened suspicion of foreigners in Pakistan in the aftermath of the al-Qaida leader’s killing.

The charity’s spokesman, Ghulam Qadri, said the Ministry of Interior informed the organisation this week that its six foreign staffers would have to leave the country within two weeks, although they have since been able to extend the deadline.

Save the Children has about 2,000 Pakistani employees across the country, who will continue to work.

Mr Qadri said the ministry gave no reason for the expulsion.