British Deputy High Commission celebrates Queen Elizabeth's birthday

Dipomats say more work is is done for education devp in Pakistan than other countries

KARACHI: To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 92^nd birthday, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew CMG and British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi Elin Burns hosted on Friday a reception in Karachi.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani was the chief guest at the celebration, which was also attended by prominent guests from the government, business community, diplomatic circles, arts and entertainment circles, academia and the media.

This was the first birthday party in Karachi for Burns in her role as the deputy high commissioner. She said she wanted the event to reflect the unique role of the United Kingdom in Karachi and Sindh. The theme for the event was 'Secret Garden Party', set against the historic backdrop of Acton House and its beautiful garden.

The food was a twist on the classic British afternoon tea; including dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, along with cakes and pastries.

The party featured music from a British military band - a woodwind quintet from the Band of the Irish Guards - as well as a flower wall inspired by the Union flag.



"I am delighted to be in Karachi to celebrate Her Majesty's 92^nd birthday. The UK's relationship with Pakistan is special. Our two countries have incredible people to people links and work particularly closely in the fields of education, health, culture and security," said Drew, adding that while such strong links have extended to trade, the aim this year was to take the trading relationship to the next level.

"Our focus in 2018 is around the next generation of Pakistan, the two-thirds of the country's population under 25 years of age that is the key to future stability, security and prosperity of Pakistan," he said.

Helping the younger generation fulfil its potential is the focus of our work, he said, adding that it was no coincidence that more work is done for education in Pakistan through Department for International Development and the British Council than in any other country in the world.



Speaking at the reception, Burns said she was delighted to be hosting her first Queen's birthday party in Karachi. "Her Majesty's birthday is a great opportunity to reflect on the strong trading partnership that the UK and Pakistan share and the potential for the future," she said.

From start up firms to young entrepreneurial talent, Pakistan has a wealth of opportunities available to encourage business partnerships which support socio-economic development, she said, adding that by working together Pakistan's ambition for long-term and sustainable growth can be realised.