Pak-UK ties 'strengthened in new era'

Marriott speaks about significant contributions of Pakistanis to British society

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Monday hosted a distinguished lecture titled "Pakistan-UK Relations in a New Era", marking a significant moment in the evolving partnership between the two countries.

The event, which took place at IPRI, was addressed by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and drew a wide audience of diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and business leaders.

The lecture focused on strengthening bilateral ties, discussing key areas such as economic cooperation, defense collaboration, shared security challenges, and the growing importance of addressing global issues like climate change.

In her address, Jane Marriott emphasised the enduring importance of the Pakistan-UK relations, underscoring the deep-rooted ties both the nations share despite the shifting global landscape and rising international competition.

She reaffirmed that Pakistan remains one of the UK's most strategic partners, with both countries committed to expanding cooperation in a variety of areas, including trade, defense, education, climate change and healthcare.

The high commissioner highlighted the growing military and defense collaboration, with a particular focus on counterterrorism efforts and peacekeeping missions.

She commended Pakistan's significant contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping operations, stressing the country's critical role in maintaining peace and stability in conflict-affected regions worldwide.

Marriott spoke about the significant contributions of the Pakistani community to British society, particularly in business, politics, and culture, and that individuals of Pakistani heritage have risen to influential positions within the UK's political landscape.

The lecture also highlighted the importance of educational exchanges between the two countries. Marriott emphasised the significant number of Pakistani students who choose the UK as their destination for higher education.

She underscored the value of these transnational exchanges, which enable Pakistani students to gain world-class education and expertise, with the expectation that they will return to Pakistan and contribute to the country's development.

Education was framed as a critical solution to some of Pakistan's pressing challenges, including the alarming statistic that 26 million children remain out of school.