Amjad Mehmood

Islamabad— Marking the one-year anniversary of her arrival in Pakistan, Her Excellency Ms. Jane Marriott CMG OBE, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, has shared reflections on her experiences and observations since her appointment. In a message addressed to media, she highlighted the warmth of Pakistani hospitality, the nation’s natural beauty, and its rich cultural and culinary heritage, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore and experience the country firsthand.

Over the past year, Ms. Marriott has had the privilege of hiking in some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, frequently venturing into the Margalla Hills and spending special weekends in Nathia Gali. She fondly recalled the vibrant atmosphere experienced at the Rawalpindi Stadium during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and at the Oval stadium in London for the Pakistan-UK T20 match. She humorously noted her own attempts to join the Women’s cricket team, acknowledging her limitations in the sport.

The High Commissioner emphasized the centrality of family in Pakistani society, recounting the visit of her 82-year-old mother and sister earlier this year, who were equally captivated by the country’s charm. She echoed sentiments expressed by other diplomatic colleagues, praising the welcoming spirit encountered throughout Pakistan by visiting family members.

A notable aspect of her tenure has been the exploration of Pakistani cuisine, with Ms. Marriott delighting in the variety of dishes ranging from Peshawar’s Kaboob to Multan’s Halva and Karachi’s renowned Biryani. She described the pleasure of entering the office greeted by the aroma of fresh mangoes, underscoring the country’s culinary excellence. However, Ms. Marriott acknowledged the challenges facing Pakistan, highlighting the importance of economic reforms for sustainable growth and the urgent need to address climate change adaptation. She referenced the Prime Minister’s declaration of an ‘Education Emergency’, aimed at revitalizing education for out-of-school children across the country.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Marriott expressed confidence in Pakistan’s resilience, innovation, and strength, noting the United Kingdom’s readiness to support the nation as a friend and partner in overcoming these obstacles. Her reflections serve as a testament to the enduring bond between the UK and Pakistan, underscored by mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and educational advancement.  She concluded her message in following words, “Bohat shukriya for a magnificent first year”.