In recent days, Pakistani authorities staged a major crackdown on militant groups. Dozens of people were arrested and many facilities were shut down. However this wasn't the first time Pakistan has taken these types of actions, but many observers and analysts were struck by the large number of people targeted in this latest crackdown.
What triggered this move, and how significant is it? And does it signal that Islamabad is finally serious about taking irreversible steps against terrorists--including those with ties to the state--or is just another short-lived effort to respond to international pressure?
These questions and more are addressed in the latest episode of The AfPak File, which features Simbal Khan, an Islamabad-based security expert; Ahmad Shah Azami, a Prague-based journalist and editor of RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal; and Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center.
Muhammad Tahir, RFE/RL’s media relations manager moderates the discussion.
