The British High Commission in Pakistan on Thursday celebrated the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II by giving a reception showcasing the shared cultural ancestry and history of Pakistan.
The event was hosted by British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew, which brought together diplomats, government officials, artists with Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi as the chief guest.
The event this year, featuring the music from a British military quintet and delicious British cuisine, also marked the 64th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, when she became both the British Sovereign and the Head of the Commonwealth.
Speaking at the occasion, the British High Commissioner share his views about Pakistan saying that though he has been the High Commissioner for less than two months, but he came to work in the High Commission 10 years ago.
"I am not incidentally the only one. Look at the receiving line: our Defence Adviser served here in 2007; so did my wife, herself, a diplomat posted here in 2010. We have all seen a lot of changes," he added.
One thing that has not changed is Pakistan's unique buzz, he pointed out that for all the difficulties of the last decade, the country continues to exude energy, creativity and resilience.
"What has changed, however - and I hope that you will forgive the first impressions of a newcomer - is the sense of hope and change. It is great to come back and get a feeling of a country, for all the difficulties, starting to fulfil its potential," he added.
He said that the potential is exciting, adding; "This country does fulfil this potential is of enormous importance to the UK. The nice thing about being a British diplomat in Pakistan is that our interests really are aligned. It really is the case that what is good for Pakistan is good for the UK and vice versa. And I am not just talking about my ambition to have the England cricket team come back to play a test series in Pakistan."
He further stated: "Of course, the cynics among you will say that all of our Ambassadors around the world are saying things like this on the Queen's birthday. "Perhaps...But I am lucky enough here to have the resources to support it. That is why we have our second biggest diplomatic mission in the world here; that is why we have our biggest bilateral development programme here. And why we continue to build," he added.
The British High Commissioner further stated that a British Business Centre to help British companies has been opened and a new British Council Libraries in Lahore and in Karachi are also being opened.
He further said that the British government was behind Pakistan and wants to make a difference for the country and for the UK.