UK’s 1st female High Commissioner in Pakistan resumes her duties

Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner-designate to Pakistan, expressed her commitment to ensuring that the bilateral ties between London and Islamabad are environmentally friendly and sustainable in light of the escalating climate emergency.

Upon her arrival in Pakistan to assume her new position at the British High Commission in Islamabad, Jane emphasized the crucial timing for UK-Pakistan relations. The UK has significantly increased aid spending in Pakistan, focusing on enhancing climate resilience and mitigating humanitarian risks.

Additionally, the recent launch of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme by the UK aims to support Pakistan’s exports by reducing tariffs and simplifying trade terms.

Jane Marriott expressed her delight at being in Pakistan, a country that holds great importance to the UK with a long-standing relationship. The over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK contribute significantly to British society, fostering a special and ever-growing bond between the two nations.

Their friendship is based on shared history, values, deep people-to-people connections, expanding trade links, and a renewed development partnership. As the climate emergency poses a growing threat to health and livelihoods worldwide, Jane Marriott expressed a particular interest in ensuring that the bilateral relationship between the UK and Pakistan is environmentally conscious and sustainable.

Jane Marriott brings extensive experience to her new role, having joined the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001. She has previously served as British High Commissioner to Kenya and British Ambassador to Yemen, and has held postings in the USA, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. Additionally, she has headed the UK’s Joint International Counter Terrorism Unit.