QUETTA, July 14: The Balochistan government has tightened security for UN aid agencies and other foreign organisations working in Quetta and other parts of the province and advised their employees not to travel without police escort.

Officials said that the step had been taken following the Lal Masjid operation.

They said the police department had issued letters to all UN agencies, International Committee for Red Cross and foreign NGOs advising them to inform police about their travelling plans before leaving their offices and the station.

DIG Operation Rehmatullah Khan Niazi confirmed the issuance of letters and said the security of UN organisations, aid agencies and foreign NGOs working in Balochistan had been tightened and extra forces deployed for their protection. He said police would escort officials and employees of the aid agencies.

Officials at UN agencies have confirmed the tightening of security in and around their offices in Quetta and other parts of the province.