BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 17, 2008) — According to United Nations statistics, at its highest point since the Soviet invasion in 1979, the number of Afghan refugees that crossed the border into Pakistan surpassed three million.

The 1.2 million displaced Afghans living in Pakistan make up the largest refugee group in the world today, stated the UN report. More than 240,000 Afghans settled in refugee camps in Bajawar Agency, Pakistan, merely 50 miles away from Konar province.

Recent fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan forces in the Bajwar Agency has forced thousands of families to flee across the border into Afghanistan. Many arrived in Konar province seeking assistance from the local government.

Konar's provincial governor, Sayed Wahidi, assigned a special committee to increase the emergency assistance available to refugees, many of whom are temporarily settled in Shigal, Dangam and Marawara Districts.

On Aug. 16, Wahidi conducted a humanitarian assistance delivery at the Shigal District Center. The HA delivery consisted of hundreds of Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team and Red Crescent-donated blankets, food rations and clothes for the refugees returning.  Wahidi pledged that more assistance is forthcoming from his administration.