The agreement signed in late 2006 between the Pakistani government and militants in North Waziristan kept large-scale armed violence at bay for the first half of 2007. However, in July 2007 the truce broke down and there were suicide bombings targeting military convoys and checkpoints. The violence spilled over to other parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and several districts of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). Peshawar and the surrounding area were struck by a sequence of bomb attacks.

Owing to the unstable security situation, ICRC staff are not able to travel to areas most directly affected by the armed violence. The ICRC does help some weapon-wounded able to reach more accessible areas. It continues to carry out assessments wherever possible and will pursue its support for medical facilities serving those affected by the fighting.

The ICRC is continuing visits to Pakistani detention facilities that began in 2007. The ICRC will also continue to visit detainees transferred back to Pakistan from Guantanamo Bay. Activities to re-establish and maintain contact between separated family members will continue for detainees and civilians.

While scaling back its activities related to the earthquake in 2005, the ICRC is increasing its assistance to disabled people primarily through the Muzaffarabad Physical Rehabilitation Centre.

The delegation continues efforts to promote IHL and to encourage ratification of IHL instruments. It also keeps up support to selected activities of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, such as first aid.

Presence (2008): 398 staff, including 44 expatriates