TODAY, Pakistan celebrates the 76th anniversary of its founding and independence; a day that will be enthusiastically celebrated across the length and breadth of this diverse country, as well as by the 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the United Kingdom. It is a date of unifying importance, when all Pakistanis can reflect on the founding principles of the world’s fifth largest nation.
Pakistan is a country that has long fascinated me. I have always wanted to be posted here as high commissioner. I feel extremely lucky to be in this country of outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. I have already made it to the Margalla Hills, Faisal Mosque and the National Monument. And over the next few weeks I am looking forward to visiting other parts of this amazing country.
Two things have struck me during my few weeks here. First, the warm hospitality of the Pakistani people. I am amazed at how familiar Pakistan feels, in part because we have shared history and we understand each other in a way that is meaningful.
And, second, the sheer grit and resilience of the Pakistani people. These are economically challenging times, yet the profound sense of hope displayed by this country’s young people in particular is truly inspiring.
More than seven-and-a-half decades since partition, the UK is working more closely than ever with Pakistan to enhance mutual prosperity. Our education programmes are helping millions of children to receive a better education. Our Chevening and Commonwealth programmes are enabling some of the brightest Pakistanis to take advantage of UK’s higher education. Since being here, I have met several former Chevening scholars doing great things in Pakistan. And our trade relationship has nearly doubled in the last three years, with work ongoing to grow it further.
There are also shared challenges with which we are both grappling. I know that Pakistan is at the brunt of climate change, and I have witnessed both heatwaves and flash flooding in just the past fortnight. This is not Pakistan’s problem to solve alone, and in the UK you have a friend that is leading the charge against one of the biggest challenges of our time.
Today, we will celebrate your successes, and I am delighted at the progress made on the relationship between our wonderful countries over the last 76 years. I am even more excited at the many wonderful opportunities over the next year, not limited to the return of the England men’s cricket team to Pakistan in 2024. I am also excited by the prospect of witnessing Pakistan’s general elections.
I wish all Pakistanis a very happy Independence Day.
Jane Marriott
British High Commissioner
Islamabad
Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023
