Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Pakistan government unprepared for South Waziristan displacement crisis

Pakistan Army troops prepare to leave for patrolling during a curfew in Bannu, Pakistan, 17 October 2009.

Pakistan Army troops prepare to leave for patrolling during a curfew in Bannu, Pakistan, 17 October 2009.

© AP GraphicsBank

Amnesty International, 19 October 2009

The government of Pakistan remains woefully under-prepared for a displacement crisis in South Waziristan as civilians flee the region following three days of heavy fighting, Amnesty International said on Monday.

Tens of thousands of residents have escaped the conflict zone after Pakistan’s army launched a new offensive against suspected Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces on Saturday in the northwest of the country.

Many are seeking refuge in the neighbouring areas of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank but Amnesty International research teams on the ground report a glaring lack of facilities to support the influx of displaced families.

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