Popular envoy Jane Marriott marks first year in Pakistan

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Jane Marriott CMG OBE, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, this week marked her first anniversary in the country with a heartfelt message, reflecting on her experiences and underscoring the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Pakistan.

In her message, Marriott expressed her admiration for Pakistan’s renowned hospitality, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. She shared her personal experiences of hiking in the Margalla Hills and weekend trips to Nathia Gali, highlighting the country’s stunning landscapes.

Despite a challenging year for both the UK and Pakistan cricket teams, Marriott cherished the vibrant atmosphere at Rawalpindi Stadium during the PSL and at the Oval in London for the Pakistan-UK T20 match. She also humorously recounted her attempts at playing cricket with the Women’s team and Marina Iqbal.

Marriott emphasized the importance of family in Pakistani society, recounting the visit of her 82-year-old mother and sister, who were equally enchanted by the country’s charm. She praised the country’s culinary delights, from Peshawar’s Kaboob to Multan’s Halva and Karachi’s Biryani, and the unparalleled experience of enjoying Pakistan’s world-famous mangoes.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s ongoing challenges, Marriott stressed the need for economic reforms to ensure long-term success. She emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach involving all key players. Additionally, she highlighted the urgent task of adapting to the impacts of climate change and the Prime Minister’s declaration of an ‘Education Emergency’ to address the large number of out-of-school children.

Marriott concluded with a message of hope, recognizing the resilience, innovation, and strength of the Pakistani people. She affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in tackling these challenges as a close friend and partner.

“Bohat shukriya for a magnificent first year!” she expressed, reflecting her deep appreciation for the warm welcome she has received in Pakistan.