The United Kingdom (UK) has recently announced the appointment of Jane Marriott OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan.
Notably, she will be the first woman to hold the post and is scheduled to begin her duties in mid-July.
Jean Marriott’s previous role was that of High Commissioner to Kenya, serving from September 2019 to June 2023. His tenure in Kenya saw notable achievements, notably the establishment of a new UK-Kenya strategic partnership.
The partnership has enhanced bilateral ties in key areas such as mutual prosperity, sustainable development, security and stability, people-to-people linkages and climate change action.
Recognizing his remarkable contribution, the British High Commission issued a statement expressing appreciation.
Under Jain’s leadership, notable achievements were made, including the launch of clean and renewable energy initiatives.
Her Role in Kenya
She also played a pivotal role in facilitating cooperation between the UK and Kenya in the establishment of the first Kenyan Marine Commando Unit, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to combating terrorism in Kenya and the surrounding region.
Furthermore, Jane actively participated in the restoration of over 1,000 hectares of deforested land and played a significant role in the creation of a ‘Digital Access Program’ in partnership with leaders in the Kenyan tech industry. This program aimed to provide education on digital inclusion, cyber safety, and online content regulation.
However, The statement emphasized Jane’s extensive experience in dealing with thematic and regional issues. With a career spanning over two decades in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), she held various positions in the Cabinet Office and Home Office.
UK’s Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit
Her diverse roles include Director of the UK’s Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit, Joint FCDO Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Ambassador to Sana’a, Yemen (2013-15), Deputy and Acting Ambassador to Tehran, and Afghanistan and Advisor to US Special Representative for Pakistan Richard Holbrooke. She has also done diplomatic services in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jane expressed her excitement about her new role, saying she was “thrilled to be appointed as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan – a country she had the pleasure of visiting twice before”. She mentioned that she was eager to deepen her understanding of that culturally rich and diverse nation.
