As the Muslim month of Ramadan begins, tens of thousands of Pakistanis forced to flee their homes by war against the Taliban will have no choice but to languish in camps or host families over the religious period, Reuters reported.
About 2.3 million people were forced from their homes by fighting in the northwest, most after government forces launched an offensive against Taliban militants in Swat in April, creating one of the largest internal displacements in recent times.
While many have managed to return home after the military cleared most of the former tourist valley in North West Frontier Province of militants, others still shelter in displacement camps and with communities, too fearful to go back home and restart their lives.
"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 Eid as that is the time for family celebrations."
During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world observe a dawn-to-dusk fast and refrain from anything considered an indulgence such as smoking. They aim to show patience, modesty and spirituality.
It culminates in Eid 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.
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