It was my embarrassment and a Pakistani journalist’s passion for the English Lake District that got me there. I was dressed head to toe in waterproofs, having climbed 500m, and the rain was turning to hail and sleet. The crags in the peaks behind me were being smoothed out by the first snowfalls. In the distance England’s largest lake was glinting in low sunlight. Below, the valley was spread out in warm oranges and rich greens.
A year ago I had interviewed Pakistan-based journalist Munawar Mirzaabout his connections to the UK. He couldn’t quite believe that I’d lived in the UK all my life and never been to the English Lake District, the home of great poetry and scenery and somewhere he had visited and written about many times.
It made me think again: perhaps I should put aside my prejudices about the wet weather and see the Lake District for myself. I’m glad I did. To quote from the most famous poet of the Lakes, William Wordsworth, “Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.”
We put a lot of trust in cultural exchange contributing to richer relations between our countries. The UK and Pakistan governments agreed a cultural roadmap in May this year which highlights just how much cultural exchange there is going on between our countries, and that’s only the fraction we know about. While we all have our own experiences of immersing ourselves in the ideas, values and traditions of another culture, does it have a broader impact?
The British Council put this to the test recently in ten countries around the world, including Pakistan. Participating in cultural relations activities with the UK increased trust in the UK by 26 % in Pakistan, the highest of any country. People who trust the UK are interested in opportunities for trade and studying here. They see us as open, welcoming and respectful of differences. They are more likely to trust the UK government and recommend visiting the UK, studying here or doing business here.
Great for the UK. But each one of those factors is great for Pakistan too. Confident business people willing to invest in new markets. Students exposed to new ideas and sharing their knowledge. Respectful, open and welcoming interactions. Governments co-operating on the basis of mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual understanding. And that’s before we look at the impact on people in the UK of cultural exchange with Pakistan
Cultural exchange can be simple, needing just two people to listen and share with one another. But it can touch deep, complex issues. In my case, it touched how I understand the landscape and literature of my own country. I can’t tell where celebrating the connections between the UK and Pakistan will take me or you next. But we can be sure it will benefit us both.