Violence in NW Pakistan triggers exodus

By Sahibzada Bahauddin

KHAR, Pakistan, Aug 15 (Reuters) - About 100,000 Pakistani villagers have fled clashes between security forces and militants in a northwestern region raising the danger of a big humanitarian problem, a government official said on Friday.

Security forces and militants have been fighting in the Bajaur region on the Afghan border, a known sanctuary for al Qaeda and Taliban fighters, since the militants attacked a security post last week.

About 170 people have been killed, including some civilians, officials have said. The fighting has included strikes on militants by fighter jets and helicopter gunships.

The violence has triggered an exodus, with people streaming out of the region on packed pick-up trucks and on foot, many heading for the safety of the main northwestern city of Peshawar.

The displaced people are creating one more problem for a new coalition government pre-occupied with political wrangling while economic and security problems mount.

"We are gathering figures from various areas and it is close to 100,000, it may be more than that," said Sitara Imran, Minister for Social Welfare in the North West Frontier Province.

"This will create a big humanitarian problem ... We are going to appeal to civil society and international donor agencies for help," Imran said.

Bajaur is the most northerly of seven semi-autonomous tribal regions. It is opposite Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar, where U.S. troops are battling al Qaeda and Taliban fighters.