APPEAL # 700-I
APPEAL GOAL: $50,000
Situation
As reported in April 8 and 19 situation reports, recent fighting in northern Pakistan has displaced thousands of families.
The heavy clashes between rival armed groups and subsequent military operations against militants have resulted in huge numbers of displacement in the Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency (area) in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas, or FATA.
As of May 1, 11,404 families had been displaced and registered with authorities; that number is expected to climb to 20,000 families in the coming days, officials believe. Those displaced could remain so for up to six months due to the on-going military operations, as well as uncertainty and instability in the area.
The displaced people have sought refuge in Kohat, Hangu and Kurram Agencies (areas) and nearly all of them have been living in off-camp settlements and with host communities. They have arrived after traveling through dangerous and mountainous terrain.
Security worries in nearby Peshawar have slowed, or in some cases halted, the ability of humanitarian agencies to respond to the crisis. Registration points will be closed in Kohat through May 13 due to upcoming elections in Pakistan. Once the registration is resumed from May 13, the number of registered persons who are displaced is expected to increase.
CWS Response
Despite these problems, CWS is providing food assistance and non-food items to the displaced, and is expected to provide medical assistance as well. But a full CWS assessment remains to be done given the security and logistical challenges.
Current overall needs include food, temporary shelter, non-food items, medical and cash assistance and fresh water.
This appeal is being issued to help purchase immediate food and non-food supplies to prepare for distributions. Further details will be provided shortly.
How to Help
Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515. (REF: PAKISTAN DISPLACEMENT, # 700-I). Donations to our emergency response efforts around the globe may also be made online.
Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.