ISLAMABAD – British High Commission in Pakistan celebrated 76th birthday of King Charles III with series of vibrant “Brilliantly British” celebrations in capital city Islamabad and port city of Karachi, highlighting the rich cultural and creative ties between the UK and Pakistan.
The celebrations, hosted by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE, were attended by key political figures, including Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Special Initiatives and Inter-Provincial Coordination in Islamabad, and Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, in Karachi.
One of the event’s highlights was the performance by the UK’s Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band, the oldest surviving regiment of the British Army. The band performed at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, as well as in Karachi, delivering an unforgettable musical experience that brought together audiences from both cities.
In capital, the celebrations were further enhanced by powerful performance from rock band Khudgharz, who captivated the audience with a unique blend of British and Pakistani music covers. The band’s set left the crowd clamoring for more. Meanwhile, in Karachi, the Acton House garden was transformed into a creative hub for “Actonbury”, a music and art festival. The event showcased performances by five talented artists: Maria Unera, Jermeas Naeem, Alycia Dias, Hussain Dossa, and the Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott expressed her enthusiasm for cultural exchange, saying:
“Brilliantly British captures everything we love about the UK: a powerhouse of creativity, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. British films, TV dramas, songs, and fashion are renowned across the globe, and they are one of the many things that connect the UK and Pakistan.”
Gharvi Group, a viral sensation this year with their hit song ‘Blockbuster’, also joined in the festivities, with live performances that showcased the blend of British and Pakistani musical influences.
2024 is set to be a landmark year for cultural exchanges between the UK and Pakistan. In addition to the King’s birthday celebrations, it marks the 90th anniversary of the British Council’s presence in Pakistan, a thrilling test cricket series, and the release of a previously undiscovered album by the late Qawwali legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan entitled Chain of Light.
The events provided an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s creative sector, which generates over £50 billion in exports, and its significant impact on the global arts and cultural landscape. Through music, art, and performances, the “Brilliantly British” celebrations embodied the dynamic and enduring connection between the UK and Pakistan.
