As the EU meets with Pakistani President Asif Zardari, John Humphrys is in Karachi to report on how Pakistan is conducting the fight against terrorism. He reflects on whether "a country on the brink" could become a failed or failing state.

Pakistani journalist and writer Ahmed Rashid says it is crucial to change the status of Pakistan's tribal areas and that the army has failed to implement a proper counter-insurgency strategy.

Around 60% of Pakistan's national wealth each year is spent on defence. Another 30% goes to pay off the national debt. What is left has to pay for everything else. John examines whether the education system in the country is under-funded and, if so, what this would mean for a country under threat from extremists.

John also asks whether the internal problems facing Pakistan's leaders are affecting the fight against terrorism.