15 Dec 2008

Britain offers Pakistan help against terrorism

2:40 pm on 15 December 2008

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has offered Pakistan help in tightening security and combatting terrorism.

Mr Brown's visit followed the killing of at least 170 people in the Indian city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. India blames the attacks on a group based in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Mr Brown said on Sunday that Britain would work with the government in Islamabad to ensure terrorists were denied safe havens in Pakistan.

He pledged $US8.9 million to help Pakistan tackle militancy.

Mr Brown also told President Asif Ali Zardari that three-quarters of the most serious terrorist plots investigated by British authorities have links to al Qaeda in Pakistan. Bombings in London on 7 July 2005 killed 52 people.

Earlier, he offered India help with airport security and co-operation on security at big sporting events. India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2010, while London will hold the Olympics in 2012.