The 2010 Pakistan floods began in late July with rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and soon submerged a fifth of Pakistan and afflicted 20 million people , resulting in one of the nation 's largest natural catastrophes . Simultaneously , British Prime Minister David Cameron sparked a serious diplomatic row with Pakistan during his visit to India by stating that elements within Pakistan were promoting the " export of terror " a week before a planned visit by Zardari to Britain . Zardari ignored domestic pressure and began his European trip in Paris on 1 August , meeting French President Sarkozy . In France , he drew a rebuke from the U.S. after stating that NATO had " lost the battle for hearts and minds " in the Afghan war . As the flood 's devastation became increasingly evident , he was widely criticised for flying in a helicopter to his Normandy chateau and dining at Cameron 's Chequers countryside home . Protests within Britain , mainly among the British Pakistani community , grew against his visit . The widely expected maiden speech by his son Bilawal was cancelled , as Zardari faced criticism for using the trip to advance Bilawal 's political aspirations
2010 Pakistan floods
2010 Pakistan floods
Asif Ali Zardari