Permanent Under-Secretary of the FCDO. Philip was the British High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2014 to 2016
Part of26th August 2015 Islamabad, Pakistan
Last night, I hosted the lion’s share of the 73 Chevening Scholars heading from Pakistan to the UK this autumn to study Masters Degrees at some of the UK’s top universities. I took the opportunity to say a few words: Thank you for joining me here at the British High Commission. I am delighted to […]
14th August 2015 Islamabad, Pakistan
The first week back from a holiday brings a fresh perspective and a new impetus to your work. While of course the day-to-day business of diplomacy goes on – as witnessed by the successful visit to Pakistan by the Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon – it is a chance to step back and […]
28th February 2015 Islamabad, Pakistan
Fans of J.K. Rowling in Pakistan will remember that a Common Welsh Dragon featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, the fourth book of her immensely popular series. That dragon was green in colour, but the dragon on the flag flying at the British High Commission in Islamabad today is a vibrant red. […]
29th November 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
For many here in Pakistan, Scotland needs no introduction, with its vibrant Pakistani communities and the links between Scotland and Pakistan in higher education and business.I was delighted that my first big event as the new British High Commissioner to Pakistan after I arrived in January was to host a Burns Night party. Haggis being […]
Read more on Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in Pakistan | Reply
27th November 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
The 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women, began from 25 November. According to a 2011 poll of experts by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Pakistan is the third most dangerous country for women in the world. More than 1,000 women and girls are murdered in honour killings every year. 90 percent of Pakistani […]
7th July 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
When I first arrived in Pakistan, I said that strengthening trade and investment between the UK and Pakistan is my top priority. British Prime Minister Cameron and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif, in their last meeting in London, pledged to increase bilateral trade and investment between our two countries to £3 billion by the end of […]
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11th May 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
A year ago today, Pakistan went to the polls to elect a new Government. Some 50 million Pakistanis turned out to vote. They made a statement about the future they want for their country – a future based on democracy and accountability through the ballot box. We went on to see the first ever full […]
1st March 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
The Asia Cup has just started and cricket fever is in the air. During Pakistan’s opening match in the series, I was intrigued to see how many of my Pakistani acquaintances were glued to their TV sets, constantly updating their Twitter feeds and Facebook statuses. Wins and losses do not keep the Pakistani cricket fan […]
17th February 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
Let me start by saying that I am honoured and proud to have been appointed as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan. I believe I have got one of the best jobs in the British Diplomatic Service. The country is also close to my heart. I have some very old connections with Pakistan. My grandfather […]