Smiling young diplomat Pawan Dhande resumes as Director of Communication and Public Diplomacy at BHC

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A smiling and welcoming young diplomat Pawan Dhande this week started his new role as the Director of Communication and Public Diplomacy at the British High Commission.

To celebrate his joining, Pawan Dhande hosted a reception for the Pakistani journalists and his colleagues at his residence. He replaced Fouzia Younis who has been posted as the British Consul General in Toronto, Canada.

Speaking at the event, Dhande said it was an incredibly exciting role in a country that deeply matters to the UK – 1.6m people of Pakistani heritage contribute to every single part of UK life, including in senior leadership roles.”

The diplomat said he will love to hear from journalists in and covering Pakistan, civil society groups and anyone else that is part of telling the UK-Pakistan story.

He further said, “I can’t wait to try more of the world-renowned Pakistani cuisine and see its many beautiful sights and landscapes – recommendations for both are very welcome. A local daily chai (tea) spot is also needed – I can’t start my day without it.”

He said it was somewhere “personally important to me, the birthplace of my late Bibi who was born in what is now Faisalabad. She spent a lot of her life in Bedfordshire but spoke fondly of her memories there. I look forward to exploring more of my heritage.”

The diplomat further said these ties were deep and historic, “with established health and education links, a shared impetus to tackle climate change, growing trade partnerships and important work to boost mutual security and prosperity.”