British-Pakistani diplomat included in King's Birthday Honours list

Fouzia Younis, a British-Pakistani diplomat, has been recognised in the first King's Birthday Honours List 2023 for her services to the UK's foreign policy.

Younis, who is currently serving as the first-ever British-Muslim Consul General in Toronto, has earlier worked at the British High Commission in Islamabad as the head of communications.

As part of the list, she has been awarded an MBE — Member of the Order of the British Empire — for her contributions. An MBE is a British honour awarded to individuals by the King or Queen for their achievement in a certain capacity and field.

Taking to Twitter, the Pakistani-origin diplomat said she is feeling "honoured" to be a part of the prestigious list filled with names of dignitaries and powerhouses from various sectors of British society.

"Can't quite believe I am tweeting this but honoured to be part of the King's Birthday Honours list & be awarded with an MBE for contributions to foreign policy," she tweeted.

"As we say in Birmingham, I am well chuffed. Thank you!," she tweeted.

Known for her diplomatic prowess, Younis has served for 20 years in over four different postings representing the British government.

As the head of communications in Pakistan, she ensured that the royal visit in 2019 went by smoothly, repatriated tens of thousands of British people during COVID-19 back to the UK in 2020, extended her support during flood relief efforts last year and celebrated the return of the England Cricket team after 17 years.

She was appointed as His Majesty's British Consul General to Toronto in March of this year and soon took up her role in Canada bidding adieu to Pakistan.