Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan — May 12, 2009 — According to the United Nations, more than 1.3 million Pakistanis have fled their homes in the northern part of the country as a result of fighting between Taliban forces and the Pakistani military.

While some of these people are are arriving in camps that had previously housed Afghan refugees, many more are able to stay with friends and relatives, are renting housing, or are staying in public buildings like schools. But in most cases, they have almost nothing with them.

IRD's relief team has already responded, sending a shipment of 10,000 quilts to these internally displaced people, with more relief supplies to come. Provision of commodities will continue indefinitely. Your donation will help us bring emergency relief - pharmaceuticals and other medical commodities - to the victims of this conflict, mostly women and children.

IRD is also doing an assessment of the water, sanitation, and shelter needs wherever IDPs are staying, and will begin appropriate response activities soon.

IRD's offices in Pakistan, based in Islamabad, have conducted assessments and assisted in program development since 2007.