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As the Muslim month of Ramadan begins, tens of thousands of Pakistanis forced to flee their homes by government offensive against the Taliban will have no choice but to languish in camps or host families over the month of fasting.
About 3 million people were forced from their homes by fighting in the northwest, most after government forces launched an offensive against Taliban fighters in Swat in April, creating one of the largest internal displacements in recent times.
While many have managed to return home after the military declared a 'victory' on the valley others still shelter in displacement camps and with communities.
"Ramadan is the holiest period of the year for Muslims and it is a period of fasting, prayer and blessings," said Mubashir Fida, communications officer for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
"It's a tough time for the internally displaced people as they have endured so much over the last few months and had hoped to be back home for 'Eed as that is the time for family celebrations."
Taliban says the offensive was launched by government to please U.S. who has pressured to break it.
Taliban says Pakistani government had no respect for any pact and they kept violating every agreement and if this goes on.
During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world observe a dawn-to-dusk fast and refrain from anything considered an indulgence. They aim to show patience, modesty and spirituality.
It culminates in 'Eed al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting during which people go to their mosques for prayers and visit friends and family to exchange gifts.
For chickens, not humans
But for many of Pakistan's displaced people, it will be hard to observe the usual rituals associated with this period.
Sitting in a shed in a poultry farm converted to a camp, 35-year-old Bibi Amina laments having to spend Ramadan with her seven children and old parents under such circumstances.
"We are not happy to spend Ramadan here, we just want to go home and go back to our normal lives," said Bibi, who fled from her village in Swat district when the army began air strikes in the area.
"We have no choice but to stay here -- my home was destroyed during the fighting, my children's school no longer exists and I have no money to look after my family if I go back."
The poultry farm in the village of Ichrian, 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Islamabad, accommodates about 300 people who live in sheds that once housed fowl.
Villagers in the area set up the camp and have been providing basic relief items to the displaced.
The IFRC together with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society have built latrines, provided clean water and are now holding psychosocial sessions for those traumatized by their experiences.
"It was awful when we first came here as there was nothing, just a shed for animals, and I thought this was a place for chickens, not humans," said 25-year-old Mohammad Alam, who fled the town of Mingora with his wife three months ago.
"We want to go back for 'Eed, but we will have to spend Ramadan here without the family -- it will be tough fasting under such circumstances and then festivities will not be anything like what we are used to."
PHOTO CAPTION
Internally displaced people, who fled a military offensive against Taliban in Swat Valley region few months earlier, sit in a makeshift mosque after prayers at a camp in the district Mansehra, located in northwest province, about 250 km (155 miles) from Pakistan's capital Islamabad, August 21, 2009.
Reuters
