Although British Excessive Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, is often featured in mainstream and social media for her diplomatic duties, most Pakistanis know little about her early years, profession journey, challenges as a girl diplomat, insights on Pakistan, and views on artwork, tradition, and gender equality. So let’s dive into her completed life.
Q: You have been born in Doncaster, a Yorkshire city, so what was life like for you there?
Marriott: Doncaster is an previous coal mining city, and each my grandfathers have been coal miners. It’s an industrial city, however a stunning place with very pleasant folks, particularly the Yorkshire people. One factor I didn’t realise till I moved to London was simply how instinctively Yorkshire folks will discuss to anybody. In case you’re ready for a bus and there’s somebody close by, inside two seconds, you’ll be deep in dialog with them, discovering mutual acquaintances. It’s simply the Yorkshire approach, and it was a part of what made my childhood so particular. Rising up there wasn’t a lot about cash. My dad and mom each left faculty at 15 and 16 with out {qualifications}, however my dad put himself by evening faculty to change into an accountant and finally moved into center administration. I didn’t realise till later how lucky I used to be to develop up in a loving house, with two dad and mom and a giant sister who unconditionally supported me. That’s not one thing everybody has, and I now recognise how uncommon it’s. I attended an toddler faculty, a center faculty, after which a bigger faculty for ages 13 to 18 in Doncaster. It was a really joyful childhood.
You have to be a fighter, to go from Doncaster to Cambridge after which find yourself within the Overseas Service of one of many main nations on the earth. That’s fairly an achievement!
I didn’t actually have any idea of these issues being potential. After I was at college, my sister was the primary in our prolonged household to go to college, and I used to be the primary to do a grasp’s. It was a brand new technology, with new alternatives that our dad and mom didn’t have. I utilized to Oxford as a result of I assumed, “Why not? I’m sensible sufficient.” I handed all of the exams, however once I went for the interview, I had no thought what to anticipate. Oxford had 4 males lounging round, firing questions at me, and I utterly messed it up. However I nonetheless bought into Durham College. Later, I made a decision to go to Cambridge for my grasp’s.
Did you at all times need to be a diplomat?
By no means. After I was 13, I noticed the BBC journalist, Kate Adie, overlaying the 1989 protests at Beijing’s Tiananmen Sq.. She was crouched below fireplace, overlaying such an enormous world occasion. It was an actual turning level for me as a result of I didn’t know ladies may very well be warfare correspondents. That regarded fascinating, so I made a decision I needed to pursue journalism. From the age of 13 to twenty, I labored part-time at The Instances and The Observer, however my mum advised I apply for the civil service. On the time, I assumed it might simply contain working in a neighborhood advantages workplace, however finally, I labored within the Cupboard Workplace after which found the Overseas Workplace. I realised I had a level in worldwide relations, and that was once I determined to work there. It was a convoluted journey, nevertheless it all got here collectively.
You’ve labored in some very difficult locations like Yemen, Kenya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Did you ever really feel like being a girl in such conditions was an impediment?
I positively felt like I used to be entering into a person’s world. My first posting was in Iraq, the place I used to be one in every of 5 ladies amongst 1,200 British navy males. I used to be the one civilian in that group, and it was an intense expertise, notably once I was thrown into negotiations with Iraqis and the Marsh Arabs. At first, I felt like I used to be this unusual third gender. I used to be clearly feminine, however I wasn’t “feminine” in the best way they have been used to seeing ladies. It gave me some leeway to suit into a distinct area. In some methods, it labored to my benefit as a result of folks have been curious to fulfill me—in any case, they didn’t usually meet ladies in such environments. I additionally discovered that folks typically underestimated me, assuming I wasn’t very sensible. However as a diplomat, you’re educated to construct belief and maintain folks’s confidence. I rapidly realised that I might develop robust relationships and networks, which labored out properly in the long term.
Do you assume being a girl has hindered your profession in diplomacy?
I’ve by no means been a person, so I can’t examine, however I feel there are each benefits and downsides. I’ve walked into rooms the place males instantly decreased my perceived intelligence just because I’m a girl. I’ve skilled occasions when males didn’t take heed to my concepts as a result of they have been distracted by my gender. However somewhat than give attention to these challenges, I’ve at all times tried to disregard them and reinforce my level. If vital, I’ve walked out of rooms when conditions turned unacceptable.
How do you see relations between Britain and Pakistan?
The UK and Pakistan share a relationship that appears like an previous marriage. We all know one another’s flaws, and we all know the way to press one another’s buttons. However there’s additionally a deep affection, respect, and love between our nations. It’s one thing that’s not at all times rational however could be very robust and rooted in historical past. Because the British excessive commissioner, one in every of my key roles is to nurture this relationship, which is extremely necessary in at the moment’s fragmented world. It’s very important that we preserve a powerful and reliable connection, particularly in a time of worldwide uncertainty. Whereas there are definitely variations, particularly concerning democracy and media freedoms, we work intently to construct belief and have frank, non-public conversations. We need to preserve robust ties with all political events, and this strategy is important in a democracy.
What about artwork and tradition? Do you assume they’ll convey our nations nearer?
Artwork and tradition have performed a major position in strengthening the connection between the UK and Pakistan. British tradition has had an affect, and there’s a deep curiosity within the connections between British Pakistanis and the UK. Many Pakistanis who’ve settled within the UK contribute to the cultural change, particularly in locations like Doncaster, the place I grew up, and the place there’s a wealthy historical past of Pakistani communities concerned within the cotton and gold sectors. I’ve observed right here that British TV exhibits, like Physician Who and Sherlock Holmes, are extraordinarily in style, alongside traditional comedies akin to Thoughts Your Language, Mr Bean, Sure Minister, and Sure Prime Minister. It is fascinating how British tradition, particularly TV, has resonated right here. On the music aspect, British artists like Coldplay, Led Zeppelin, One Path, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, and Adele even have a large following in Pakistan. We’re organising an occasion in Karachi to have a good time each British and Pakistani music. There’s going to be a shock component, with the navy band from the UK performing a rendition of the Pakistani Punjabi music, Pasuri, and we’ll convey extra artists from each nations collectively. Moreover, I’m actually centered on selling Pakistan within the UK as a fantastic, historic nation with a lot to supply, past the frequent stereotypes. I need to assist showcase Pakistan’s wealthy historical past, tradition, and hospitality with the UK and Pakistan cultural exchanges. There’s a lot extra to Pakistan than meets the attention.
Who’s your favorite Pakistani artist?
That’s a tricky selection, as Pakistan has so many proficient artists! I’ve at all times been drawn to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan — his qawwalis have a timeless high quality that resonates throughout cultures. His music is highly effective and deeply emotional, and it’s wonderful to see how his legacy lives on globally. I additionally admire Ali Sethi, Faris Shafi, and Gharwi Group for his or her versatility and skill to attach with audiences in so many genres. Pakistan’s music scene is extremely vibrant, from people and classical to modern pop, and it’s fantastic to see artists who convey such wealthy range to the stage.
Are the British Pakistanis contributing to being ‘Brilliantly British’?
Completely, 1.6 million Brits of Pakistani origin have executed phenomenally properly within the UK, notably in politics, enterprise, and trend. From Scotland’s former First Minister to the Mayor of London, these figures present how built-in Pakistanis are in British society. Individuals like Zayn Malik, although he won’t be as huge in Pakistan as I anticipated, are key figures. Equally, actors like Jameela Jamil and Riz Ahmed are implausible ambassadors of British-Pakistani tradition. Past leisure, the diaspora shapes Britain’s panorama in enterprise, academia, and public service. Each area they contact displays the spirit of range, creativity, and shared heritage, displaying that being Brilliantly British is all about celebrating the tales and skills that join us.
We frequently see Pakistanis on the streets of London, particularly when Pakistani politicians or different key figures, just like the just lately retired chief justice, attend occasions. Do you imagine their actions are creating tensions between Pakistan and Britain, particularly with the best way these crowds are allowed to take over the streets and collect outdoors the leaders’ residences?
So long as folks comply with the rule of regulation, it’s high-quality for folks to precise their opinions. Nonetheless, in relation to protests outdoors residences, I feel there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Some protests may create pointless rigidity, however typically, peaceable protests are a part of the democratic course of. The secret is that the protests must be lawful and respectful of public areas.
Many Pakistanis need to research within the UK however wrestle to get pupil visas. Is not it a reasonably tall order, now?
It’s true that stepping into the UK for training has change into tougher, each financially and visa-wise. Nonetheless, the variety of Pakistani college students going to the UK stays spectacular—over 43,000 pupil visas have been issued final yr alone, and the determine is predicted to extend this yr. Whereas tuition charges have risen, the UK’s training system continues to be extremely valued. Another choice is transnational training, the place college students can earn UK {qualifications} whereas staying in Pakistan. There’s an actual push to make high quality training extra accessible.
What’s your frank opinion about alternatives accessible to Pakistani ladies to develop and obtain equality as residents?
There’s lots of concern in regards to the lack of gender equality in Pakistan. The most recent International Gender Hole Index by the World Financial Discussion board has positioned it close to the underside of the checklist. I feel the nation will change into a lot stronger economically if it harnesses the total potential of ladies. It is not nearly ethical equality—it makes financial sense to permit ladies the identical alternatives as males. Whether or not that’s in enterprise, the workforce, or at house, ladies deserve equal alternatives to thrive. Pakistan can be stronger for it.
Now, with the British King’s birthday developing, what are your ideas on the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III?
It was a giant adjustment, particularly when it got here to singing “God Save the King” as a substitute of “God Save the Queen.” I keep in mind the primary time I needed to do it in Kenya after Her Majesty handed away. I unintentionally stated, “God Save Our Gracious Queen,” after which rapidly corrected myself, which was a bit embarrassing. The Queen was such a gentle determine, offering a way of certainty for thus many. Now, with King Charles, we’ve tailored rapidly. He’s visited Pakistan earlier than, and there’s a deep respect for him. It’s His Majesty King Charles III’s 76th birthday on November 14th! This yr, we’ll be celebrating the King’s birthday in Islamabad and Karachi with a theme of “Brilliantly British,” which is able to showcase one of the best of British music, arts, meals, and cricket.
We’re thrilled to have the Honourable Artillery Firm Regimental Band touring Pakistan this yr. They made a splash final yr with their rendition of Pasoori, which went viral. And look out for an additional shock this yr! We even have a number of Pakistani acts acting at our KBP occasions. Everybody is aware of Glastonbury, however for the primary time, we’ll welcome you to ‘Actonbury’ in Karachi, paying tribute to the colourful music scene in each nations.
In Islamabad, we’re celebrating all issues Brilliantly British. And what’s ‘Brilliantly British usually overlaps with what’s ‘Completely Pakistani’- sports activities (although I don’t need to assume an excessive amount of in regards to the cricket that’s simply occurred), arts, meals (the Balti, invented by a British Pakistani, is now a staple of UK delicacies). Occasions like these spotlight the vitality and creativity shared by the UK and Pakistan, bringing us nearer by our love for music and artwork.