SUSPENSION OF COURIER POUCH OPERATIONS TO PESHAWAR

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002511

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WRDCD; SCA/EX AND IRM/OPS

BANGKOK FOR BRDCD

FRANKFURT FOR FRDCD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ADCO ADPM AMGT
SUBJECT: SUSPENSION OF COURIER POUCH OPERATIONS TO PESHAWAR


1. (SBU) Islamabad is currently the hub for all Diplomatic Courier
material that is destined for Peshawar. Over the last year, Post
has encountered problems transporting pouches from Islamabad to
Peshawar. Since the bombing of the Pearl Continental Hotel in
Peshawar, Post has had difficulties getting cargo vehicle clearance
to take courier material from Islamabad to Peshawar. At present,
there are over 30 pieces backed up at the Bangkok Courier Office for
Peshawar. We've also been told that there are pieces in Washington
that are being held for onward delivery since we cannot provide
courier service to Peshawar.


2. (SBU) The only allowed transport available is via FAV Toyota
Land Cruiser. The cargo space is very limited. Coordination of
logistics, security requirements, movements and motor pool
exacerbates an already difficult operation.


3. (SBU) Movement via cargo vehicle is logistically difficult
because it requires coordination with local authorities and the
Consulate's security support staff. The cargo vehicle is not
armored so it increases the risk for our local staff moving through
Peshawar. In order to manage regular service to Peshawar, it is
also difficult to make the runs required without establishing a
pattern that would heighten our profile and compromise the security
of our personnel and security personnel.


4. (U) Receiving large crates and pouches is difficult for the
Consulate in Peshawar to deal with. They have very limited CAA
space and growing requirements. They have no designated space where
they can deal with received courier material and logically organize,
store and distribute material. They currently have a small locked
closet designated as their "vault" but that is simply storage and
can only contain a few bags at best. Processing the material in the
courier pouch vault in Islamabad ensures the proper receipt of
material and guarantees the integrity of the process to distribution
of receiving offices.


5. (SBU) In light of the security conditions and logistical
challenges faced here, Islamabad requests the immediate suspension
of all courier pouch material and service for Peshawar. The
alternative procedure will be for each customer to send items
addressed to the parent office in Embassy Islamabad. Those offices
will receive their courier material here and will be responsible for
getting the material to Peshawar utilizing space available on their
routine trips to Peshawar. The courier operation in Islamabad will
assist if classified material needs to be repacked and dispatched
for non-professional courier delivery by their offices.


6. (U) This telegram has been coordinated with our customers at
Post and Post Management.

Patterson