British envoy stresses economic reforms

Islamabad:Pakistan is facing a crucial year ahead, with significant economic reforms necessary to ensure long-term success, said British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Friday.

"This year is a critical year for making the economic reforms necessary to ensure Pakistan’s long-term success: an inclusive approach with buy-in from all the key players is essential," Ms Marriott said in a message on the completion of the one year anniversary of her arrival in Islamabad.

She said Pakistan faced a daunting task in adapting lives and livelihoods across the country to the impacts of climate change, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared an Education Emergency, aiming to get Pakistan’s large cohort of out-of-school children back on track with their education.

"Having met Pakistanis, I know their strength, innovative nature and resilience puts them in an excellent position to tackle these issues head on, with the UK as a close friend and partner," she said.

The higher commissioner said it had been a great year since she arrived in Pakistan a year ago. "It’s a country that I’d always wanted to live in, with a wonderful reputation in the UK thanks to its warm hospitality, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. It was not disappointing," she said.

Ms Marriott said she felt lucky to be able to hike in some of the most beautiful parts of the world, regularly taking advantage of the Margalla Hills on her doorstep in Islamabad, and some special weekends to the nearby Nathiagali. She said while it wasn’t the year for both British and Pakistani cricket teams, it didn’t take away from the electric atmosphere when she visited Rawalpindi stadium for the PSL and the Oval in London to see the Pakistan-UK T20.

"Although if you saw me attempting to bat some balls with the Women’s team and Marina Iqbal, safe to say I won’t be getting called up any time soon!" The higher commissioner insisted that family was at the heart of society in Pakistan.