Islamabad, May 11, 2009 - The people of the United States are providing $4.9 million in immediate emergency assistance to families displaced by the recent conflict in Pakistan's Buner, Dir and Swat, Districts of the North West Frontier Province (N.W.F.P.). The funds will be used for immediate relief to purchase tents, blankets, cooking sets, utility containers, soap, and bedding to the most vulnerable families -- including women and children - who have temporarily relocated in the region.

"With this latest effort, we stand ready to continue assisting the people of the N.W.F.P. by working alongside the Pakistani and provincial governments as well as the international community," said U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson. "We are committed to providing emergency aid to those in need quickly and efficiently."

The United States will continue to monitor the situation and is committed to providing additional assistance as needed. This pledge by the people of the United States brings U.S. relief to Pakistani Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to more than $62.9 million since August, 2008.

Since 2002, the United States has provided more than $2 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.