UK committed to supporting interfaith harmony, socio-economic development in Pakistan: envoy

ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting interfaith harmony and socio-economic development in Pakistan.

During her visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar and Nowshera, the British envoy engaged in a series of meetings and events to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting interfaith harmony, minority rights, socio-economic development and regional stability.

The visit started with a tour of the historic Mahabat Khan Mosque, where the British envoy and Maulana Tayyab Qureshi emphasised the importance of respecting cultural heritage and fostering interfaith dialogue. Later, Jane Marriott met with officials from the United Nations Development Programme and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss border governance and connectivity in the newly-merged districts.

After holding discussions on the security and importance of timely elections, Jane Marriott and KP’s caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan launched GoBiz, an online portal designed to improve government-business relations.

She also met with the beneficiaries of the UK-funded Aawaz II and DafPak programmes in Nowshera, showcasing the UK’s support for addressing gender-based violence, minority rights issues, child marriages, and health services delivery in remote areas.

Jane Marriott said: “This visit was not only about our shared commitment to fostering economic development, regional stability, and interfaith harmony but also about celebrating Pakistan’s past and the future. I was amazed by the beauty of Mahabat Khan Mosque, a testament to Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.”

“I was inspired by the young people I met through Aawaz II. They are helping change their communities, and the whole of Pakistan for the better, they are the future. Additionally, the launch of GoBiz marks a significant stride towards modernisation and efficiency,” she added.