The British High Commission in Pakistan held vibrant celebrations in Islamabad and Karachi to mark the 76th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
Under the theme of “Brilliantly British” celebrations, the events showcased the dynamic blend of British and Pakistani cultures, featuring live performances, musical acts, and special cultural exhibits.
The festivities were hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Islamabad and at the Acton House garden in Karachi. In Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Special Initiatives, and Inter-Provincial Coordination, attended as the Chief Guest, while Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah represented the government at the Karachi event.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said: “Brilliantly British captures everything we love about the UK, a powerhouse of creativity, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. British films, TV dramas, songs and fashion are some of the most renowned things that connect the UK and Pakistan.”
One key highlight of the celebrations was the performance by the UK’s Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band, the oldest surviving regiment of the British army. The band traveled to Pakistan for the occasion, performing in both cities as well as at the iconic Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. Their powerful musical acts captured the hearts of audiences, bringing together the rich musical legacies of both nations.
In Islamabad, the atmosphere was further electrified by live performances from the popular rock band Khudgharz, whose unique fusion of British and Pakistani covers captivated the crowd.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, the “Actonbury” festival at Acton House featured five local artists – Maria Unera, Jermeas Naeem, Alycia Dias, Hussain Dossa, and the Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band – offering a celebration of British musical influence through an eclectic mix of performances.
The “Brilliantly British” theme comes at a time of growing cultural exchange between the UK and Pakistan. 2024 marks several key milestones, including the 90th anniversary of the British Council in Pakistan, a thrilling test cricket series between the two countries, and the release of a previously unreleased album by legendary Qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Chain of Light.
The celebrations also spotlighted the importance of the UK’s creative industries, which contribute over £50 billion to the country’s economy through exports, helping shape the global cultural and artistic landscape.
The events in both Islamabad and Karachi are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations, celebrating their shared cultural heritage through music, art, and creativity.