ISLAMABAD, Feb 12: The United Nations vowed on Sunday to continue providing relief to thousands of earthquake survivors in Azad Kashmir, despite concerns over security in Pakistan following angry anti-Western protests.

“The humanitarian community in Pakistan continues to provide assistance to the thousands of earthquake survivors, despite security concerns over anti-cartoon protests,” the UN said in a statement.

“The decision to temporarily restrict the movement of cargo and people did affect some minor aspects of the operation, but there has been no decision to remove UN personnel of any particular nationality in response to these security concerns,” it said.

Thousands of people protesting against cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) torched Danish and US flags on Friday in the largest rally in Islamabad since the controversy began.

UN humanitarian coordinator Jan Vandemoortele emphasized that providing food and safe drinking water, improving sanitation, health surveillance, and keeping families warm and dry remain the key priorities until the end of the winter.

“The principle of freedom of expression is only valid when it respects the fundamental beliefs and values of others,” Mr Vandemoortele said in statement.

“Restraint and respect, sensitivity and responsibility, are essential for achieving peaceful coexistence of pluralistic values and beliefs,” he said.—AFP