Two Pakistanis awarded British honours

Both were presented with MBEs for services to Pakistan-UK cultural relations

ISLAMABAD: The British government has recognised the services of two Pakistanis, appointing them as honorary members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The two awardees are Nishat Riaz and Shazia Khawar who work with the British Council in Pakistan. They have been recognised for their significant achievements or exceptional service to the UK.



“I am delighted to present Honorary MBE awards to Riaz and Khawar in recognition of their services to UK-Pakistan cultural relations and education,” said British High Commissioner Thomas Drew at a ceremony to award the two in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“These awards reflect not only their significant individual effort over a number of years but also that they are excellent role models and leaders inside and outside of the British Council.” “The British Council Pakistan team are delighted that their outstanding contributions have been recognised,” said Rosemary Hilhorst, head of the British Council Pakistan.

Riaz, who is the director education at the British Council Pakistan, was awarded the MBE for services to Pakistan-UK cultural relations in the area of education, especially in higher education, schools and skills programme. She also helped develop relationships with the federal and provincial education bodies throughout the country.



She also initiated and led innovative programmes such as the split site PhD scheme, women’s leadership in higher education programme, early childhood education and development projects, programmes to improve the quality of STEM teaching (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics), education for children with special needs and the introduction of scholarship schemes for the underserved communities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2017.