UN launches Pakistan refugee appeal

The United Nations is appealing for $543m (€390m) to ease what it describes as the “incredible suffering” of refugees from Pakistan’s war against Taliban militants.

The UN launched the appeal today in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

Martin Mogwanja, a UN official coordinating the humanitarian effort, said the size and speed of the displacement was extraordinary and had caused great suffering.

Pakistani officials said they have registered about 1.9 million people fleeing the fighting in the Swat Valley area since security forces launched an offensive last month.