EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice is to meet Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf tomorrow amid growing concerns over the effectiveness of the bombing of Afghanistan.
The Muslim leader is in London for a vital meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is desperate to keep Islamic nations involved in the coalition against the war on international terrorism.
The president is also to meet MPs who belong to the Parliamentary All-Party Pakistan Group including Mr Prentice.
The Labour back bencher has many Muslims from Pakistan and the disputed territory of Kashmir in his Pendle constituency.
Mr Prentice said: "These are difficult times for Pakistan and for the rest of us.
"The reverberations from Afghanistan are spreading across the entire world.
"General Musharraf is a key player and I am looking forward to out discussions."
The general's decision to commit Pakistan to the Alliance against Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terror network in the wake of the September 11 suicide hijack atrocities in America was considered vital by Mr Blair and US President Bush.
Mr Prentice wants to hear first hand President Musharraf's view of the international fight against terrorism, the Afghan bombing and the situation in Pakistan.
He said: "I think this is a very important meeting."
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