Pakistani officials say the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, is to tour several western countries to seek support from expatriate Pakistanis in combatting the economic effects of sanctions over nuclear tests.

The Pakistani Information Minister Mushahid Hussain said Mr Sharif would be appealing to Pakistanis living abroad to invest more in Pakistan.

The officials said Mr Sharif, who is at present visiting the Gulf, plans to save money by taking a commercial flight to Britain on Saturday.

He will also be visiting Canada, the United States, Germany and Denmark.