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Pakistan: Politics and Government

Volume 481: debated on Thursday 23 October 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps the Government have taken to assist the Government of Pakistan in reducing the incidence of extremism in that country. (224998)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed the problem of extremism in Pakistan with President Zardari on 16 September. He offered Pakistan the UK's full support, including through support for development, capacity-building and counter-terrorism cooperation.

We continue to work with Pakistan to help tackle the serious development, security and economic problems that Pakistan faces. The UK and Pakistan have a broad programme of counter-terrorism cooperation. This includes providing operational support in key law enforcement and prosecuting agencies. We will also be doubling development spending in Pakistan to £480 million over the next three years to help strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, provide better quality education and increase health care provision. This assistance should also help to address some of the underlying causes of radicalisation.