Refugee Exodus in Pakistan

Reporting from Islamabad, Samina Ahmed of the International Crisis Group describes the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Pakistan, as an estimated 150,000 people take advantage of a seven-hour cease-fire to flee the Swat valley and surrounding areas.  "Given the scale of the problem," says Ahmed, "this is really the largest man-made humanitarian disaster Pakistan has faced in its history."  She notes that no independent media have been allowed into the area.  "The most essential thing is to minimize civilian casualties... and to then prepare for the support and the infrastructure and development that is needed to once again stabilize the region."

(photo: BBC World Service)