To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on Pakistan's policies in the Swat Valley; and what steps he has taken to seek to establish peace in that area. (287548)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the Swat Valley on his recent visit to Pakistan with a wide range of Government of Pakistan officials, including President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani.

The Foreign Secretary also discussed with the Government of Pakistan the need for military gains to be followed by reconstruction and development and commitment to a long-term political strategy for improving governance, justice and services and addressing the roots of militancy.

The UK is working bilaterally and with international partners through the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to support the Government of Pakistan to deliver such a strategy. The UK, through the Department for International Development, has given £22 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for internally displaced people. We continue to lobby international partners to increase their contributions.