23 May 2009

UN seeks $US543 million aid for Pakistan

12:02 pm on 23 May 2009

The United Nations has launched an appeal for $US543 million for Pakistan.

More than 2 million people have been displaced by fighting in the Swat Valley in Northwest Frontier Province.

The appeal on Friday came a day after donors promised $US224 million, including $US110 million from the United States.

The military began an offensive in the Swat Valley and neighbouring districts on 2 May to stop the spread of a Taliban insurgency.

Nearly 1.7 million people have been displaced by the offensive. About 555,000 people were forced from their homes by earlier fighting in the region.