The relationship between the United Kingdom and Pakistan is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the colonial era. When Pakistan gained independence in 1947, it maintained close ties with the UK, based on shared political, economic and cultural interests. Over the years, this bilateral relationship has evolved, shaped by global geopolitics, security challenges and a robust Pakistani Diaspora in the UK. The Commonwealth connection and diplomatic cooperation have reinforced this relationship, while trade and defence partnerships have been pivotal in solidifying it. Today, as the UK navigates its post-Brexit landscape and Pakistan faces the complexities of South Asian geopolitics, both countries are looking to strengthen their partnership. This article explores the future of UK-Pakistan relations, with a particular focus on economic security, international cooperation and global security collaboration.
UK-Pakistan relations have long been anchored in strategic cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, defense and intelligence sharing. Post-9/11, Pakistan became a key ally for the UK in the War on Terror, with British aid aiding stabilization in Pakistan’s tribal regions. Following Brexit, the UK has focused on strengthening trade ties with non-European nations. Pakistan’s growing economy and strategic location have heightened its importance as a partner, with bilateral trade nearing £3 billion annually and potential for further growth. The UK’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) has boosted Pakistan’s textile exports to the UK market.
UK-Pakistan defence cooperation remains robust, involving joint military exercises and programs to enhance Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities. The UK continues to provide significant aid for education, healthcare and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. Economic security is crucial for the future of their relationship, as Pakistan grapples with high public debt, a volatile currency and a large current account deficit. Strengthening ties with the UK is vital for Pakistan’s financial stability and growth. While the UK has long supported Pakistan through development aid, the focus is increasingly on trade and investment. British companies are exploring opportunities in technology, telecommunications and renewable energy, further bolstering economic ties.
Post-Brexit, the UK’s foreign trade policy has opened new opportunities for enhanced trade with Pakistan. As a Commonwealth member with a growing economy, Pakistan is a promising partner. Although bilateral trade is already notable, there is significant potential for expansion, especially in agriculture, IT and textiles. Negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) is a key priority for both nations. Such an agreement could boost Pakistan’s exports and provide the UK with access to South Asia’s dynamic market. The UK’s departure from the EU enables it to strengthen trade ties with Commonwealth countries, with Pakistan poised to benefit from this shift. As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, UK-Pakistan cooperation has expanded into new areas like climate change, migration and public health. Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, floods and droughts posing significant threats to food security and economic stability. The UK, a leader in global climate action, has partnered with Pakistan to mitigate the effects of climate change through joint initiatives in renewable energy, reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
Migration is a crucial area of UK-Pakistan cooperation, with the UK aiding Pakistan in managing Afghan refugees due to regional instability. This partnership encompasses refugee integration, humanitarian assistance and border management. The UK is home to a significant Pakistani Diaspora of over 1.6 million, who enhance bilateral relations through their economic, cultural and political contributions. Education is a major factor driving Pakistani migration to the UK, with 8,500 Pakistani students enrolling in UK institutions in 2022. The UK’s esteemed higher education system provides these students with global exposure and opportunities to contribute to Pakistan’s economy upon their return. Pakistan ranked among the top five countries for UK visa applications in 2023, indicating a substantial flow of skilled workers and professionals seeking better employment and living conditions. Additionally, the Pakistani Diaspora sends over £1 billion in remittances annually, supporting families and national development in Pakistan. This vibrant community is integral to UK-Pakistan relations, reinforcing cultural and economic ties between the two nations. The recent change in the UK government has opened up new possibilities for UK-Pakistan relations. Under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, the UK is expected to adopt a more outward-looking foreign policy, with an emphasis on strengthening ties with Commonwealth countries and emerging economies like Pakistan. This government’s focus on expanding global trade networks, enhancing diplomatic engagement and promoting green energy aligns well with Pakistan’s development needs.
The new UK government has signaled its intention to increase trade and investment with Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. With a renewed emphasis on economic diplomacy, the UK will likely prioritize the negotiation of a free trade agreement with Pakistan, providing both countries with opportunities for growth. This government’s commitment to lowering trade barriers and encouraging British businesses to invest abroad could lead to increased FDI in Pakistan’s technology, energy and infrastructure sectors.
One of the key priorities of the new UK government is climate action. The UK has pledged to become a global leader in tackling climate change and it is expected that this agenda will play a central role in its foreign policy. For Pakistan, which is already collaborating with the UK on climate resilience initiatives, this focus presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas like renewable energy, disaster management and green infrastructure development. Security and defence cooperation are likely to remain cornerstones of the UK-Pakistan relationship. The new UK government has expressed its commitment to maintaining strong defence ties with key partners and Pakistan’s strategic importance in South Asia ensures that it will remain a priority. Joint military training, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts are expected to continue, with the UK playing an active role in enhancing Pakistan’s security capabilities.
The recent election of a new government in Pakistan provides an opportunity to further strengthen UK-Pakistan relations. The new leadership, with its focus on economic revival and anti-corruption, is expected to collaborate closely with the UK on trade, governance and development. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already emphasized the historic nature of UK-Pakistan ties during his meeting with the UK Ambassador in Islamabad, expressing a commitment to expanding these relations. This renewed emphasis on bilateral cooperation underscores the potential for deepening partnerships and advancing mutual interests in the coming years.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
