British High Commission celebrates the Queen’s 88th birthday in Lahore
The British High Commissioner hosted a party in Lahore on Monday 28th April 2014 to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 88th birthday
British High Commissioner, Mr Philip Barton with the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Shehbaz Sharif at the Queen's Birthday Party in Lahore.
Guests from all over Pakistan joined the celebrations, including representatives from the Punjab Assembly, the military, civil society, the diplomatic corps, businessmen, celebrities and the media.
2014 marks the 62th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne, when she became both the British Sovereign and the Head of the Commonwealth. The British High Commissioner, His Excellency Philip Barton CMG OBE, and the Chief Guest, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif toasted each other’s Heads of State, while the national anthems of both countries were played.
Speaking on the occasion of Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, His Excellency Philip Barton, said:
It is an honour to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday this evening with friends and colleagues in Lahore. It is an occasion to reflect on the close ties between the UK and Pakistan. Pakistan came into being only shortly before Her Majesty became Queen. The enduring partnership between Pakistan and the UK has taken shape during her reign. It is a partnership that is set to become even more important as we continue to work together for the mutual prosperity and security of both our countries.
“These continue to be challenging times for Pakistan and we pay tribute to its people who have sacrificed so much. The UK stands behind Pakistan and its people as it tackles the evil of terrorism. We share vision of a safe and secure Pakistan achieving its economic and social potential. I really do believe that what is good for Pakistan is good for Britain. That is why cooperation on education and a focus on enhancing trade are also important parts of our relationship.
“The UK is investing heavily in Pakistan’s education sector, with a particular focus on girls’ education. By 2015, UK aid will help benefit four million children in school, recruit and train 45,000 teachers in Punjab and improve test results in core subjects including Maths and English. On trade, over 100 British firms are already operating and investing in Pakistan. I am committed to seeing this rise over the coming years.
“Our historical links help underpin our modern relationship. These links are as much about the present and the future - the one million people with close ties to Pakistan living in Britain today and the hundreds of thousands of our citizens who travel back and forth each year to work, study or, simply for enjoyment.”
Further Information:
Photos of the event will be made available on the British High Commission Flickr site
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Last updated 29 April 2014 + show all updates
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