Dispatches from a desperate Pakistan

In Pakistan thousands of pilgrims have taken part in the holy Shia festival of Arbaeen, many risking their own lives after two suicide bombers killed at least twelve people. In Lahore and Karachi most of the dead were policemen, challenging the bombers before they could reach the most crowded places.

BBC reporter Hugh Sykes has been travelling around the country this week and says that the news there is often so bad that some are at a point of despair.