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IR Pakistan assists displaced families from Khyber Agency

IDPs wait to get treatment at Jalozai Camp

More than 440,000 people are in dire need of emergency humanitarian assistance after being displaced from the Khyber Agency, in North West Pakistan. A large number of people have taken refuge at Jalozai camp in Nowshera. The Pakistan government states the displacement could last up to six months, while families may not be able to return by early 2013. There are fears that 20 000 more families will be displaced as the conflict spreads to other parts of Khyber Agency.

Islamic Relief was the first agency to address the needs of internally displaced people and is providing humanitarian assistance in health, hygiene and sanitation for 4000 off camp families. Many of the displaced families are female-headed households, with many children and elderly family members. According to the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum, children account for half of the displaced people, 13% of whom are already said to be suffering from psychological distress.

The displaced people are facing food shortages. A significant portion of IDPs living outside Jalozai camp are food insecure. Many of them also need to travel far in order to gain access to healthcare. Islamic Relief is providing primary health care, medicine, hygiene kits, and counselling sessions for identified families.