Bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Pakistan has soared beyond £5.5 billion this year, a significant economic milestone highlighted during a grand reception in Karachi to celebrate the 77th birthday of King Charles III. The event underscored the strengthening economic and developmental partnership between the two nations.

The British Deputy High Commission hosted the Four Nations celebration, which concluded a series of King’s Birthday Party events held across Pakistan. The gathering brought together prominent figures including Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, Governor Kamran Tessori, and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE.

High Commissioner Marriott emphasized Karachi’s pivotal role as Pakistan’s economic engine, crediting the city’s business community for driving the substantial growth in trade. ‘We look forward to building on this momentum and unlocking even more opportunities together,’ she stated, signaling a commitment to further enhancing economic ties.

Beyond commerce, the event also shed light on the UK’s extensive development work in Sindh. The Aawaz II programme, for instance, has bolstered child protection systems by training 150 social service personnel and establishing 75 community forums to foster safer, more inclusive dialogue.

UK-supported initiatives have also been instrumental in rehabilitating flood-damaged schools in three districts of Sindh, responding to this year’s floods, and advancing education research and teacher development programs within Karachi.

The celebration was marked by cultural performances from Ayesha Ijlal, Khudgharz, and DJ Ahmed. The Pakistan Naval Band formally opened the evening’s proceedings by playing the national anthems of both countries, celebrating the growing cultural, economic, and people-to-people links.