New UK envoy ‘delighted’ to arrive in Pakistan

British High Commissioner-designate to Pakistan Jane Marriott has arrived in Islamabad to take up her new posting.

“I am delighted to be here in Pakistan, a country that deeply matters to, and has a long-standing relationship with, the UK,” Jane said after she landed in the federal capital on Sunday.

“With over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK making up every part of the British society, we have a special and ever-growing bond.

“Our friendship stems from our shared history and values, deep people-to-people ties, growing trade links and a renewed development partnership. I will be working hard to continue to expand these.

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“With the climate emergency a growing threat to health and livelihoods across the world, I have a particular interest in ensuring that the bilateral relationship between our countries is a green, sustainable one,” she added.

According to a statement issued by the Islamabad British High Commission, Jane Marriot has arrived at an important time for UK-Pakistan relations, with a significant uplift in the UK aid spending in Pakistan focused on strengthening climate resilience and reducing humanitarian risks.

Last month, the UK also launched the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which will help Pakistan to boost its exports by reducing tariffs and simplifying trade terms.

Jane joined the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001. She was previously posted as British high commissioner to Kenya from September 2019 to June 2023, and has served as a British ambassador to Yemen.

She has also been posted to the USA, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan as well as heading the UK’s Joint International Counter Terrorism Unit.