Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner-designate, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, has arrived in Islamabad to assume her new role at the British High Commission Islamabad. Her arrival comes at a crucial time for UK-Pakistan relations, with a significant increase in UK aid to Pakistan focused on enhancing climate resilience and reducing humanitarian risks. Additionally, the UK recently introduced the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s exports by simplifying trade terms and reducing tariffs.
In her statement upon arriving in Islamabad, Jane expressed her delight in being in Pakistan, a country with a longstanding and deeply valued relationship with the UK. She emphasized the strong bond between the two nations, rooted in shared history, common values, people-to-people connections, expanding trade links, and a renewed development partnership. Jane expressed her commitment to further fostering these connections.
With the global climate emergency posing a growing threat to health and livelihoods, Jane highlighted her particular interest in ensuring a green and sustainable bilateral relationship between the UK and Pakistan.
Jane Marriott brings extensive experience to her new role, having joined the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001. She previously served as the British High Commissioner to Kenya from September 2019 to June 2023 and has also held the position of British Ambassador to Yemen. Throughout her career, she has been posted in various countries, including the USA, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, and has led the UK’s Joint International Counter Terrorism Unit.
Jane traveled to Islamabad from London Heathrow using British Airways, the sole airline offering direct flights between the UK and Pakistan. Her arrival signifies a new chapter in UK-Pakistan relations, marked by strengthened cooperation on climate resilience, trade, and development initiatives.
