Musharraf has been touring Europe trying to reassure governments that next month's national elections will be a positive turning point for Pakistan. Musharraf's first engagement during his three-day visit to the UK was at the Royal United Services Institute in London. British officials are said to be pleased with Musharraf's detailed commitments when answering questions about the delayed elections. Parliamentary polls planned for January were postponed until 18 February after Bhutto was assassinated at a campaign rally on December 27.

Brown said Pakistan was a "key ally in combating terrorism and extremism". "Credible elections" were "essential", Brown said at a joint news conference following what he called "very productive" talks with a "key ally" in combating terrorism and extremism. He urged President Musharraf to engage with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country. "A stable Pakistan is essential for the security of the South Asia region." Musharraf had assured him that processes were in place to ensure transparent polling, Brown said. The world's priority had to be ensuring "that the democratic process remains on track", he added. President Musharraf confirmed the elections would go ahead and be, in his words, "free, fair and transparent" with a peaceful transition. "I am very sure that we will have a peaceful transition and we will have a strong democratic government following the February 18 election," he added.