UK pledges £12m in aid for displaced

LONDON – British prime minister Gordon Brown promised £12 million (€13

LONDON – British prime minister Gordon Brown promised £12 million (€13.4 million) in humanitarian aid yesterday for civilians fleeing the fighting in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.

Following talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, the prime minister paid tribute to the efforts of Pakistani troops fighting the Taliban. “Let there be no mistake, Pakistan is already taking action against terrorism. President Zar-dari’s troops are risking their lives fighting extremists,” he said.

“We will help provide shelter, water, food and sanitation for those people who have been displaced by these terrorist acts.”

Mr Brown, who visited Pakistan last month, reaffirmed his commitment to a “new strategic dialogue” with Islamabad. – (PA)