LONDON, Sept 6: Britain extended a “firm hand of support” to Asif Ali Zardari, the president-elect, immediately after unofficial results were announced in Pakistan, saying that it hoped to work with him “to combat extremism and strengthen democracy”.

“We aim to deepen our partnership with Pakistan,” the Foreign Office said.

The FO said strong democracy was the key to delivering long-term stability, good governance and prosperity.

The UK government said it wanted to work with the Pakistan government to support measures that “promote stability, democracy and the rule of law and strengthen the democratic transition.”

“We believe that Pakistan’s people are best served by a democratic government. The UK stands ready to assist the government in combating the shared threat of violent extremism and meeting the economic challenges they face,” the FO added.

The FO also reiterated the UK government’s commitment to continue its aid programme to support Pakistan.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague was quoted by British media as saying that he hoped Mr Zardari would “find the strength and wisdom to help his country break out of the cycle of short-lived democracy alternating with long-lasting dictatorships”.

“We will all look to him to entrench democracy in Pakistan by securing an independent judiciary, a free media and a non-corrupt government which also tackles terrorism decisively,” Mr Hague added.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said that because “President Zardari” had not been directly elected by the people of Pakistan, he had “his work cut out to establish his legitimacy in the eyes of an anxious and divided population”.

“He stands at the crossroads of some of the world’s most difficult conflicts,” the Liberal Democrat leader added.

“He now deserves a chance to come out from the shadows of Pakistani party politics and assert himself as a leader capable of establishing stability in a country wracked by insecurity for far too long.”