Gordon Brown wants the ties between Britain and Pakistan to become stronger to help fight the threats posed by extremism and terrorism. Speaking in Islamabad, the Prime Minister called for a ‘strategic dialog on all issues’. The visit to Pakistan suffered a blow when President Zardari pulled out of a joint press conference, amid tensions over recent anti terror raids. The press conference went ahead with prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani instead, whom with Brown also held talks.

The British Prime Minister today defended plans to deport 11 Pakistani nationals who were arrested in a suspect terror plot, even though no charges have been made against them. The group, whose plight has provoked great anger in Pakistan, has appealed against the decision, and the Pakistani Prime Minister also raised the issue with Brown during today’s talks.

Gordon Brown has pledged £10m to fight terrorism in the country, and although Brown has hailed a ‘new chapter’ in the relationship between the two countries, the episode has cast a shadow over the visit. The Pakistani Prime Minister welcomed Brown’s pledge and willingness to work together with Pakistan, but said “I think the law will take its own course and I would also request the Prime Minister that their studies should not be discontinued.”

There is a need for a stronger relationship bewteen Britain and Pakistan to help prevent terrorism, but how far will our prime Minister go in search of it?