Pakistan’s leader defends UK visit as floods spread

Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari today defended his decision to remain in Britain before a meeting with David Cameron as the monsoon flooding crisis spread to more regions of his country.

His aide, Farahnaz Ispahani, insisted Mr Zardari was acting for his nation's long-term future with a diplomatic mission to the UK, in the wake of Mr Cameron accusing elements within Pakistan of supporting terrorism.

"The government must continue its business so that the nation moves forward," Mr Ispahani said. "Everything cannot come to a standstill when there is a disaster."

However, Mr Zardari faced growing criticism in Pakistan as flood warnings were issued for the Punjab province in the east and Sindh in the south. So far the north-west has been worst hit by the floods, which have killed 1,500 people in a week.

Mr Zardari is due to dine at Chequers tonight, returning there tomorrow for talks set to centre on enhancing the strategic partnership between the UK and Pakistan on security, trade and education.