³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will broadcast a week of extensive multi-media programming from Monday 22 to Friday 26 June looking at the issues facing Pakistan and Afghanistan, it was announced today, with specially-produced output across TV, radio and online.

This includes the Today programme, Newsnight and Panorama, plus ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News At Six, News At Ten and World News America, as well as an extensive online presence.

The week of programming will draw on the expertise of reporters on the ground and specialist knowledge of the areas concerned to provide audiences with a multi-media experience.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are a "breeding ground for international terrorists" which, in turn, poses a direct threat to UK security.

United States President Barack Obama has called it the "most dangerous place in the world".

Both have said the challenges facing the two countries cannot be treated separately.

During the week, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will have special reports from both countries.

On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4's Today programme presents live from Pakistan. John Humphrys reports on education, extremism and the refugee crisis – trying to get to the heart of modern Pakistan.

In a Panorama special, The Battle Of Swat Valley, 8.30pm, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, on Monday 22 June, reporter John Sweeney gains exclusive access to airborne troops and footage shot in Taliban-controlled towns. The programme will reveal the inside story of Pakistan's fight against extremists in its mountains and valleys.

During the week Orla Guerin and Matt Frei will present special reports from Pakistan for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News At Six and News At Ten.

Frei will also link with his co-presenter Katty Kay in Washington DC for World News America.

Special news coverage from Damien Grammaticas and Ian Pannell in Afghanistan will examine the role of the Taliban and its impact on the country as it enters an important period with the US troop surge and elections in August.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Editor Mark Easton will report from the UK on the views of Muslims on what is happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Text and video coverage will be available on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News website at bbc.co.uk/taliban in the UK, and bbc.com/taliban overseas.

A special report page contains detailed background information on Afghanistan and Pakistan, including profiles of leaders from both countries and of the Taliban, along with a clickable map showing how and where militants operate.

Throughout the week, there will also be user-generated content from people on both sides of the border, and viewpoints from leading commentators in India, Pakistan, the US and the UK.

KS