In this episode of Ground Zero, we delve into the complex issue of militancy in Pakistan. Our guest, Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, a seasoned journalist, and analyst, provides us with an in-depth analysis of the history and underlying causes of militancy in the country. Mehsud sheds light on the origins of militancy in Pakistan, tracing it back to the Soviet invasion of A f g h a n i s t a n in the 1980s and the subsequent rise of the T a l i b a n.
He also discusses the role of state and non-state actors in fueling the rise of militancy in Pakistan and the impact of US drone strikes in the region. Moreover, Mehsud offers insights into the various militant groups operating in Pakistan, including the T a l i b a n, A l-Q a e d a, and I S * S, and their motivations and strategies. He also discusses the challenges faced by the Pakistani government in tackling militancy and the prospects for peace in the region.