Pakistani displaced people seek aid

Tens of thousands of Internally Displaced People continue to flee their homes, seeking out aid from Pakistan's government and international aid agencies.

Meanwhile, fighting between the country's military and Taliban insurgents is forging ahead in the South Waziristan region.

Most of Pakistan's IDPs are staying with friends or relatives. Many live in Dera Ismail Khan, the nearest large city outside the combat zone.

Internally Displaced Person, South Waziristan, said, "This is our relative's home. There are nine families living here. Yet we receive no food relief from the government. We have no tent, no food, or any other necessary items for our lives."

According to UN reports, as many as 150-thousand civilians have left South Waziristan in recent months. The exodus started as Pakistan's military prepared to launch an offensive against extremist fighters in the remote, rugged region along the Afghan border. The number of displaced individuals could top 200-thousand in the coming weeks.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees says, that humanitarian access to those in need remains the key challenge for assistance agencies. The organization adds that, in addition to help given to individual families, aid will need to be extended to hospitals, schools, and other public facilities that may come under strain due to the large influx of people.