Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi has reiterated her commitment to further promote the existing strong bonds between Pakistan and British Armies including the two Cavalries.
She made these remarks at the Indian Cavalry Officers Association (comprising those who served in pre-partition India), hosted by Lord Weatherill at Army and Navy Club here on Friday. Lord Sandberg and other officers were present on the occasion.
Maleeha said, she was heartened to see the existing long-standing relationship between various segments of the two defence forces, particularly in the regimental affiliations which had been further strengthened over the time.
Given the current global uncertainty and challenge, "it is good to see this emphasis on building or preserving bonds and bridges," she said.
She said, when Lord Weatherill goes to Pakistan, he is hosted by 19th Lancers and when General Mohammad Yusaf Khan, our Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, a guides Cavalry officer, visits UK he is hosted by Kings Royal Horses.
"This shows the strength and depth of our common heritage and continuing affiliations," said the envoy.
Pakistan and Britain have started last year an exchange attachment programme for young officers (captains) to enable them explore their affiliated regiments by living with them, she said.
The first of these inter-unit attachments took place between a cavalry regiment of Pakistan Army and a cavalry regiment of the British Army, so it is not only the past, but also the future that holds promise, she said.
On the occasion, She also suggested that to institutionalise attendance of this annual event by "our military attaches" for ensuring regular and formal contact.
Referring to Pakistan peace keeping role, she said, it was the world's largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, with over 7500 troops deployed on UN missions in about 7 countries across the world, She said in many places, they were working closely with their British counterparts.
"Pakistan's cavalry contingent," she said, had actively participated in the Queen's Golden Jubilees celebrations. Its highlights included a horse cavalcade in Windsor titled "all the Queen horses'," and it also participated at the opening ceremony of the "Memorial Gates" at Constitutional avenue.
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