Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) nature and (b) extent of military links with the Government of Pakistan are; and if he will make a statement. [91820]

Nick Harvey MP; Minister for the Armed Forces: [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The Defence Section in Islamabad works closely with the Government of Pakistan, and the Pakistan military, to pursue a close bilateral defence relationship, build partnerships between our armed forces and provide bespoke military support to Her Majesty's Government's policy priorities to protect and promote the UK's influence and interests.

We encourage senior UK officers to foster a good working relationship with their Pakistan military counterparts, and there are a large number of regimental affiliations between UK and Pakistani military units, which can include exchanges of officers.