Kabul, Sept 30: Around 20,000 Pakistanis have fled their country and taken refuge in Afghanistan due to the ongoing fight between Pakistani security forces and the Taliban in Bajaur Agency, a statement released by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.

The United Nations’ refugee agency said that nearly 4000 families had fled Bajaur into Afghanistan's Kunar province.

The fighting in Bajaur tribal area had displaced as many as 500,000 people, the Daily Times quoted UN officials as saying.

Most have found shelter with relatives across northwestern Pakistan, though about one lakh have taken refuge in camps set up by the authorities.

Over the past one month, the Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on the Taliban, killing many members of the terrorist organization. The onslaught has spread fear among the tribesmen, who, in turn, have also taken up arms against the Taliban and over the past days they have arrested a few Taliban and chased away others to ensure safety to their life and property. (ANI)