75 Years of Pakistan-UK defense relations celebrated at Sandhurst

London: 75 Years of Pakistan-UK ties were celebrated at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 31 March 2022. The event was organized as part of Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee that happily coincides with 75 years of Pakistan-UK friendship and Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.

High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan together with his spouse and officers of the High Commission represented Pakistan at the reception. Major General Duncan Capps CBE, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. The event was attended by military veterans, British Pakistani Parliamentarians, members of the Quetta Association and the civil society representatives from both the countries.

In his address on the occasion, the High Commissioner appreciated the strong historical ties and level of cooperation between the defense forces of Pakistan and the UK. He said it was befitting that the landmark of 75 years of defense relations was being commemorated in one of the most iconic global centres of excellence for military training and planning, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.  He stated that, historically, Pakistan and Sandhurst had close and abiding linkages and Pakistan’s best and brightest officers were graduates of this prestigious institution.

The High Commissioner said during the past 75 years, Pakistan-UK relations in economic, political, cultural, educational, and technological fields had blossomed to new heights. He lauded the constructive role of 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in cementing the ties between the two countries. The High Commissioner underlined that the existing legacy of goodwill between the two countries was unique, and it afforded an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a variety of mutually beneficial domains and avenues.

Major General Duncan Capps, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in his speech highlighted various aspects of military cooperation between the two countries. He said that the armies of the two countries share the same professional standards, values and culture, and the relation between them was based on mutual trust and understanding. He said that the UK was partner with Pakistan in efforts for global peace and stability.

Maj Gen Seumas Kerr, Quetta Association; Muhammad Zeeshan Nabi Sheikh (SIM), Defense, Naval Adviser; and Maj Gen ®️ Sahibzada Isfandyar Pataudi also spoke on the defense relations between the two countries. Col. Rana Muhammad Asif Khan, Army and Air Adviser moderated the event.