Pakistan: Crackdown on charity aiding refugees

JALLALA - Pakistani authorities have ordered a fresh crackdown on a banned charity linked to militants blamed for the Mumbai attacks, after dozens of its volunteers were discovered at the centre of Pakistan's emergency aid operation.

The move to act against the Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FeIF) came a day after it was discovered dozens of volunteers were providing aid to refugees who have fled clashes between Pakistani troops and Taleban militants in the Swat Valley and the wider northwest region.

It is believed to be a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, the military group accused of planning and carrying out last year's Mumbai attacks.

Doctors, struggling to deal with the flood of desperate and exhausted people, say the volunteers have been providing a crucial service in a situation where the Government appears overwhelmed.

Yesterday, the Pakistani Government said it was aware of reports of the charity's re-emergence and was ready to take action. How long it will take the Government to act is unclear.

Last night FeIF volunteers were still manning a base in the city of Mardan from where they were co-ordinating relief efforts.

- INDEPENDENT