Pakistan refugees hope to return home

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Pakistan's recent offensive against the Taliban, has caused thousands of civilians to seek shelter in refugee camps. The displaced are hoping for a quick end to the military operations, so that their lives can return to normal.

The Governor of the North-West Frontier Province, Owis Ahmed Ghani, told CCTV that the Pakistani government had encouraged civilians to leave their homes before the offensive began. He said they will be able to return as soon as the operations end.

The government has set up 14 refugee registration centers, where people can receive food, shelter and a monthly living allowance of around 60 US dollars. But the center has been overwhelmed by the soaring number of refugees.

An internally displaced person in Pakistani refugee camp said, "It's difficult to collect relief items. We have been here since early morning. Those who distribute food are always late. They're not responsible. We are unhappy about the situation."

The Pakistani military launched its offensive against the Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan on October the 17th. Thousands fled their homes in anticipation of the coming battle. Many are longing to return home.

"I hope the government can end its operations in two or three weeks. Hopefully no more than two months, so that refugees still can have a decent homeland, and can return with dignity. We have full faith in the government."

So far, nearly 140 thousand have registered as refugees. The UN estimates that military operations have displaced 250 thousand people. As winter approaches, many are facing shortages of food and shelter. The Pakistani interior minister has asked the international community for support.

An internally displaced Afghan woman cooks food as her daughter  sits next to her inside their tent at a refugee camp in Kabul,  Afghanistan, Monday, Oct. 26, 2009. According to UNHCR some 2.7  million registered Afghans refugees still remain in Pakistan and  Iran.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)