DNA
ISLAMABAD — The British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a vibrant evening of fashion and design on 13 November to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III’s 78th birthday, highlighting how British and Pakistani creativity can drive business growth and job creation in both countries.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the event, which drew more than 600 attendees, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, ministers, business leaders, designers, and members of the creative community.
Guests were treated to a showcase featuring fashion from British manufacturers, Pakistani retailers expanding their businesses in the UK, and British-Pakistani designers. The evening also included live bands performing well-known British songs with a Pakistani twist, while UK chef Tony Tobin collaborated with the High Commission’s Residence chef on a menu celebrating the best of British and Pakistani cuisine.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott CMG OBE said the relationship between the two countries turns great ideas into tangible results that change lives.
“Together, British creativity and Pakistani enterprise are a powerhouse, and they can create jobs and growth in both our countries,” she said. “The next chapter of our partnership is about creating, inventing and growing together.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that Pakistan-UK friendship would continue to flourish.
“May the bonds between our peoples grow stronger with every passing generation,” he said.
The UK and Pakistan already share strong ties. About 1.7 million people of Pakistani heritage live in the UK, and clothing and textiles make up over 75 per cent of UK goods imported from Pakistan. The UK’s creative industries added £146 billion (nearly $200 billion) to the economy in 2024 and employed 2.4 million people.
The birthday celebration formed part of a broader “Autumn of Growth” initiative. Two days earlier, on 12 November, the West Yorkshire–Pakistan Summit in Bradford brought together about 100 business, government, and university leaders to discuss textiles and food and drink. The UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue in December and other planned investment events will continue this work.
