It’s not clear when he will do so but the prime minister has promised to make an “early visit” to Pakistan, according to the joint statement from Zardari and Cameron today.
There is also a key line about the “sacrifices” made by Pakistani security forces in fighting violent extremism – which is presumably an attempt to defuse Cameron’s comments last week. (He had said, while in India, that Pakistan should not ‘look both ways’ on terror).
The Prime Minister recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s military, civil law enforcement agencies and people in fighting violent extremism and militancy and appreciated the efforts of the democratic government. Both leaders appreciated the close co-operation that already exists between respective police forces and other security agencies.
Plus Theresa May, home secretary, is flying out to Pakistan in the autumn. And Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi and British Foreign Minister William Hague will meet in October.
Meanwhile questions remain as to whether President Zardari should have stayed at home to deal with the severe flooding.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey