Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended a celebration at the British High Commission in Islamabad marking the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne and 75 years of Pakistan-UK relations.
“We are honoured to celebrate her Birthday, her Platinum Jubilee and also 75 years of deep UK-Pakistan relations,” British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner said. The ambassador thanked the Pakistani prime minister for honouring the Queen by joining the event as chief guest. The event was attended by senior ministers, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm felicitations to the UK on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan as Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne and wished her good health. He expressed his government’s resolve to strengthen Pakistan-UK bilateral relations in diverse fields, especially trade and investment.
The high commissioner said Pakistan and the UK have a shared history, and this year both countries are marking 75 years of the UK and Pakistan relationship. Pakistan and the UK’s 75-year partnership, people-to-people links, 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in the UK, around 100,000 British nationals in Pakistan and 500,000 approximate annual visits in both directions indicate a strong bond of friendship, he said.
The ambassador said that the UK, which is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, wants to double trade by 2025 by working with the local communities. Around 54% of Pakistan’s 220 million people are under 24 years old and “We need to ensure we support their dreams and aspirations”, he said, adding that last year the UK granted 10,000 student visas to the young Pakistanis.
On this occasion, Pakistan Monument in Islamabad was also lit up in purple, the ceremonial colour for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Queen’s birthday and platinum jubilee celebrations in Islamabad were the first in a series of events planned in Karachi and Lahore.
Events are taking place across the world this week for the Queen’s platinum jubilee and her 70 years of service to the people of the UK, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The Queen marks her birthday twice - once on the anniversary of her date of birth on April 21 and then there is an official celebration on the second Saturday of June.
