People-to-people contact to enhance UK-Pakistan ties: Tucknott

Ebad praises outgoing UK deputy high commissioner for strengthening bilateral relations 

Karachi

The outgoing the UK deputy high commissioner in Karachi, John Tucknott, said on Monday that people-to-people contact had undergone an increase and they would go a long way in enhancing UK-Pakistan ties.

Tucknott, who was bade a warm farewell hosted by the British Business Centre at the Governor House with Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan attending the event as chief guest, said in his speech that he had found Karachi a really challenging assignment.

He said the UK-Pakistan trade had grown by leaps and bounds during his tenure. British banking services, pharmaceuticals and other industrial products had permeated Pakistani society and had become household words, he added.

“All this could not have come about if I had not received the warmth and the unfailing cooperation of my hosts when I arrived.

“My team in Karachi and I have worked real hard to showcase the best of Britain,” Tucknott said.

He wished the people of Karachi in particular and those of Pakistan all the peace and stability for the future. Tucknott said he would be leaving within the next two weeks.

Thomas Drew, the UK high commissioner to Pakistan, who had flown in from Islamabad especially for the occasion, lauded Tucknott’s diplomatic performance. “John has done a fantastic job,” he said.

He thanked the government immensely for having come forth with all the cooperation. He said lots had changed over time, and the only thing that had not changed was the governor.

Speaking last, Governor Ebad said that under Tucknott’s leadership, UK-Pakistan ties had visibly strengthened. Turning to Tucknott, he said, “We wish you will visit Pakistan again.”

He said economic growth during his tenure had been significant. He credited Tucknott with having introduced vibrancy and verve to the Karachi scene. He also praised Tucknott’s predecessor, Francis Campbell, for his affable approach to Karachi’s society.

The proceedings were compered by Malahat Awan, CEO, British Business Centre.

Separately, talking to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew in a meeting at the Governor House, Governor Ebad said foreign investment was increasing with the restoration of peace in Sindh and prospective British investors should take advantage of widespread prospects of investment in the province.

He relations between the UK and Pakistan spanned over the last several decades and the ties had been getting stronger with the passage of time. He, however, said that both countries were required to take steps keeping in view the requirements of the present day so that investment prospects in the sectors of energy, education, infrastructure and commerce could be explored along with the transfer of technology from one nation to the other.

He said economic prosperity and the elimination of poverty and unemployment were the need of the hour not just in Pakistan but in the entire region.

The British high commissioner said several Britain-based companies had been working in Pakistan and doing a profitable business there. He said British investors were willing to invest in energy and solid waste management sectors in Sindh.

He said the UK was willing to help end unemployment and poverty getting in Pakistan and in the entire region.

The British top diplomat in Pakistan also mentioned assistance being provided by the UK in education and health sectors. The meeting was also attended by John Tucknott.