UNITED NATIONS - UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday appointed Frances UN Ambassador, Jean-Maurice Ripert, to the new post of Special Envoy for assistance to Pakistan, where he will coordinate efforts to deal with the present humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction needs relating to the countrys displacement crisis. The announcement came as bit of a surprise as there was no indication that the UN chief was exploring the idea of creating a new job to help Pakistans govt and the international community respond to the crisis created by the anti-Taliban operations in the countrys north-west. More than 2m people were forced to leave their homes following the offensive. Many displaced persons have now returned, but hundreds of thousands remain in camps or host communities. Ripert, a career diplomat, will promote a strategic, coherent and comprehensive approach to supporting the humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction needs of crisis- affected areas, Bans spokesperson Michele Montas told the regular news briefing. Pakistans UN Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon welcomed Riperts appointment, saying it reflects the UN chiefs continued interest in the well-being of the country.