PAKISTAN: On the Brink

Pakistan is sliding further and further into chaos.

Suicide bombings have become an almost daily occurrence in the northern areas, as the Pakistan Taliban seek to enforce their influence and spread fear amongst the populace.

Taliban confidence is apparent as their attacks become more and more daring, reaching further south into the Punjab. They now control areas 100km from the capital, Islamabad, after the democratically elected government recently signed a...
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Pakistan is sliding further and further into chaos.

Suicide bombings have become an almost daily occurrence in the northern areas, as the Pakistan Taliban seek to enforce their influence and spread fear amongst the populace.

Taliban confidence is apparent as their attacks become more and more daring, reaching further south into the Punjab. They now control areas 100km from the capital, Islamabad, after the democratically elected government recently signed a cease-fire agreement allowing the implementation of Sharia (fundamentalist Islamic) law in the once peaceful Swat Valley.

International outcry and condemnation was swift as western leaders questioned the government's commitment to fighting the spread of Islamic militancy and terrorism.

In April 2009, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, accused the Pakistan government of surrendering to the Pakistan Taliban and described the deteriorating situation in the nuclear-armed state as "a mortal threat to the security and safety of our country and the world."

Government and military Inaction and inconsistency has displaced thousands of families and caused local anti-Talban militias to disband and flee, rather than remain and fight.

The following set of images were taken from early 2005 until late 2008.
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