UK marks King Charles III’s 77th birthday in Islamabad
PM Shehbaz attends British High Commission’s Four Nations celebration
Jane Marriott highlights UK–Pakistan cultural and economic ties
Islamabad – 16 November 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE at a reception hosted by the British High Commission to mark the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. The event brought together dignitaries, diplomats and representatives from various sectors to commemorate the occasion and reflect on the progress in UK–Pakistan relations over the past year.
In her remarks, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted that the theme of the evening, the “Four Nations” of the United Kingdom, symbolised the diversity that strengthens the UK’s partnership with Pakistan. “Just as Pakistan is made up of rich and diverse cultures, the UK has incredible diversity through its four nations. And all four of our nations—England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales—have a vital part to play in our partnership with Pakistan,” she said.
The celebration came at the end of an important year for bilateral ties. Connectivity between Pakistan and the UK improved significantly with the lifting of the air safety ban on Pakistani airlines, enabling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to operate its first flight to Manchester in five years. The UK also introduced eVisas for Pakistani students and workers, streamlining travel procedures and strengthening people-to-people links. Bilateral trade reached a record £5.5 billion in 2025, crossing the £5 billion mark for the first time.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the birthday ceremony of His Majesty King Charles III in Islamabad, underscored the “enduring and evolving friendship” between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He noted that nearly two million British citizens of Pakistani origin continue to strengthen bilateral ties through their valuable contribution across multiple sectors in the UK.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant role of the British Council in providing educational opportunities to thousands of young Pakistanis, adding that many more have pursued higher education in leading British institutions.
Recalling past development cooperation, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted what he described as “one of the finest programs in recent decades worldwide”—a collaboration between DFID and the Government of Punjab during his tenure as Chief Minister. The initiative, he said, made notable progress in education, health, skills development, and primary healthcare. He expressed confidence that this successful partnership continues to expand across all provinces of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister reiterated a cordial invitation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla to visit Pakistan “at their earliest convenience.”
At the start of his remarks, Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation for the UK Government’s condolences over recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and other regions of Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism, stating that the country’s armed forces and people remain steadfast in confronting the threat “in all its forms and manifestations.”
He further noted that the Pakistan-UK multifaceted partnership has grown significantly over the years and acknowledged the “personal interest and patronage” of the British Royal Family in strengthening bilateral ties.
The High Commission also acknowledged ongoing UK support for Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts and the recent launch of the UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue, which has opened new opportunities for collaboration in services, technology and innovation.
The evening further celebrated cultural ties between the two countries. Guests were welcomed with the music of Bagpipers from the Pakistani Military, while singer Maria Unera performed a special medley of classic British hits representing the four nations of the UK.
