The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) hosted a distinguished lecture on Monday titled “Pakistan-UK Relations in a New Era,” marking a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two nations.
The event, held at IPRI, was addressed by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and attended by a diverse group of diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and business leaders.
The lecture focused on enhancing bilateral relations, covering key areas like economic cooperation, defense collaboration, shared security concerns, and the need to tackle global challenges such as climate change.
In her speech, Marriott emphasized the lasting significance of Pakistan-UK relations, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the two countries amidst a changing global landscape. She reiterated that Pakistan remains one of the UK’s most strategic partners, with both nations committed to expanding cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, education, climate change, and healthcare.
The High Commissioner also stressed the growing military and defense collaboration, especially in counterterrorism efforts and peacekeeping missions. She praised Pakistan’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, underlining its vital role in maintaining global peace and stability.
Marriott also acknowledged the substantial contributions of the Pakistani community to British society, particularly in business, politics, and culture. She noted the rising influence of individuals of Pakistani heritage in the UK’s political sphere, which has enhanced cultural and social ties, further facilitating collaboration between the two countries.
The lecture also underscored the importance of educational exchanges. Marriott highlighted the large number of Pakistani students choosing the UK for higher education, emphasizing the value of these exchanges in enabling students to gain world-class knowledge and skills, which they are expected to bring back to contribute to Pakistan’s development. Education was presented as a key solution to some of Pakistan’s most pressing issues, such as the 26 million children currently out of school.
