ISLAMABAD, JUL 24 /DNA/ – A touch of Scottish spirit filled the air in Islamabad last night as the British High Commission hosted a special reception to mark the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event, which brought together dignitaries from the worlds of sport, government, civil society, media, and the Commonwealth alumni network, celebrated the enduring ties between the UK and Pakistan through the lens of sport and shared opportunity.

With exactly one year to go until the opening ceremony, Glasgow is preparing to welcome approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. The Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, will feature competition across 10 sports, including six Para sports, promising a showcase of athletic excellence and inclusive competition.

The reception also served as a platform to highlight the United Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to education across the Commonwealth. For over 60 years, Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships have empowered students and future leaders from across the member states, fostering academic and professional growth that transcends borders.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE addressed the gathering, underscoring the unifying power of the Games. “The Commonwealth Games are about more than medals,” she said. “They bring people together, celebrate talent and show the power of sport to unite communities. Pakistan has a proud sporting history, and athletes who continue to inspire young people across the country. As Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth, we are proud to celebrate the strong links between the UK, Pakistan and our Commonwealth family.”

The evening was marked by a spirit of friendship and camaraderie, reflecting the core ethos of the Commonwealth movement. Guests mingled and shared in the excitement of the upcoming multi-sport event, which follows the UK’s successful hosting of Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022.

Honouring Pakistan’s Next Generation of Changemakers

Prior to the main reception, the British High Commission held a special award presentation to recognize Pakistani recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders Awards. The four outstanding individuals were celebrated for their pioneering work in education, inclusion, youth empowerment, technology, and gender equality.

The awardees include:

• Farah Gul Rahuja, Co-Founder of PakGPT, who is leveraging inclusive artificial intelligence to support education, health, and climate resilience in underserved communities across Pakistan.
• Hassan Ashraf, Founder and CEO of the Umeed Foundation, who has been instrumental in expanding free education opportunities for child labourers and children from marginalized backgrounds.
• Hadiqa Bashir, Founder and Executive Director of Girls United for Human Rights, a tireless advocate working to end child marriage, combat gender-based violence, and promote girls’ education nationwide.
• Joshua Dilawar, Founder and Executive Director of ISYD, who advances youth inclusion, health equity, and gender equality, with a particular focus on training deaf young people as peer educators.

The recognition of these young leaders served as a poignant reminder that the Commonwealth Games are not just a celebration of athletic prowess but also a testament to the shared values of youth development, social progress, and community resilience that bind the member nations together.

As Glasgow 2026 draws nearer, the event in Islamabad has reinforced the vibrant connection between Pakistan and the wider Commonwealth, promising a summer of sport, inspiration, and international solidarity.