"we will handle the challenge"
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, stressed the importance of Pakistan-UK relations.
On December 16, 2024, the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) hosted a lecture titled “Pakistan-UK Relations in a New Era”.
The event was a significant moment for both governments in the evolving partnership between the two countries.
At the event, Marriott focused on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations as she addressed diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and business leaders.
She asserted that Pakistan remains one of the UK’s key strategic partners.
Both governments are committed to expanding cooperation in various areas, including trade, defence, education, climate change, and healthcare.
The High Commissioner highlighted the growing military and defence collaboration, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism efforts and peacekeeping missions.
She stressed Pakistan’s critical role in maintaining peace and stability in conflict-affected regions worldwide.
Furthermore, Marriott spoke about the significant contributions of the Pakistani community to British business, politics, and culture.
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.
In 2022-2023, 34,960 students from Pakistan enrolled in the UK, making Pakistan the fourth most popular country of origin for international students.
Within the education framework, Marriott focused on the importance of transnational exchanges.
For her, these opportunities allow Pakistani students to receive a world-class education and expertise.
Students are expected to return home to contribute to the development of Pakistan.
Overall, education was presented as a critical solution to address some of Pakistan’s pressing challenges.
Research shows that almost 26 million children remain out of school; one focus is on changing this.
In May 2024, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to address the issue of education:
“Today, with iron conviction and the support of provinces, we will handle the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children.
“We will bring them back to school.
“I declare from this moment an emergency in education all over Pakistan.”
“The way we did it in Punjab, we will do it in Pakistan.”
In her closing remarks, Marriott maintained that Pakistan and the UK share a common commitment to addressing global challenges.
The identified global challenges included the situation in Afghanistan and the pressing issue of climate change.
Marriott stressed the continued importance of strong Pakistan-UK relations to confront current challenges and prevent future conflicts.
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