ISLAMABAD – British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, visited Mirpur where she interacted with local business community members and interacted with the UK-Pakistani diaspora.
The delegation comprising Jane Marriot, and Head of Pakistan Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, Richard Lindsay visited the second largest city of Azad Kashmir.
Ms Marriot, CMG OBE, visited Mirpur and was excited to meet the diaspora in Mirpur, a home away from home for Pakistani British people. There is a significant Pakistani community in Britain as the Pakistani diaspora has grown over several decades, with migration patterns influenced by historical, economic, and political factors.
With an estimated 70 percent of British Pakistanis originating from Mirpur, High Commissioner was delighted to gain insight into how cross-cultural influences have shaped Mirpur into the city it is today.
British High Commission officials also called on various government officials including the Commissioner of Mirpur region and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police at Mirpur.
Ms. Marriot commended local officials for continued support and cooperation, and further emphasised the significance for British community living in the region. She further visited Mirpur Chamber of Commerce.
In her interaction with regional business community, the High Commissioner sheds light on liberalising trade, opening up investment opportunities, bringing in new technologies, or helping Pakistan on the path to sustainable growth and clean energy. There is so much we can do, she said, and mentioned returning to Pakistan’s capital with strong feeling that our two countries together are primed to grow even closer and continue to work hard to deepen our relationship.
The dignitaries also visited Muslim Hands Football Academy where she interacted with Street Children Team runners-up at the Street Children Football World Cup in Qatar.
Praising the local talent, Ms Marriot said she is excited to see many British Pakistanis supporting this excellent organization as people of both nations share huge love of sport and that UK is committed to promoting sports in Pakistan, including football.
She mentioned Chevening scholarship on football science, sponsored by Swindon Town Football Club, and mentioned it is celebration of this shared love, that helps build next generation of football coaches.
High Commissioner and Head of Pakistan Department also interacted with members of the British community in Mirpur alongside President Barrister Sultan Mahmood to discuss their priorities and the importance of people-people links.
