RAWALPINDI, Jan 13: UK Secretary of International Development Hilary Benn called on President Gen Pervez Musharraf here on Tuesday and discussed the economic situation of Pakistan and the development programmes in the country.

The president congratulated Mr Benn for assuming the office of the secretary and expressed the hope that the uplift plans in Pakistan would be strengthened during his tenure.

The president told him about the key developments in Pakistan's economy. The British secretary lauded the efforts of the government of Pakistan in stabilizing the economy and implementing bold structural reforms.

Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Pakistan envoy to the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi and the EAD secretary were present on the occasion.-APP