The British High Commission held Remembrance Services in Islamabad and Karachi to commemorate those who have laid down their lives in conflict.

The British High Commissioner, Thomas Drew CMG, hosted a service of remembrance on 12th November 2017 to pay tribute to all those from the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries and elsewhere who lost their lives during conflicts from World War I to the present day. Elin Burns, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi also attended a service at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemetery in Karachi.

The Islamabad service was held at the High Commissioner’s Residence and was presided over by the Reverend Monsignor Canon Robert Corrigan. Both services were held for those who lost their lives serving their countries and those who still suffer the consequences of wars and terror.

Representatives of the Pakistani armed forces were in attendance, and Imam Bashir Ahmed participated in the remembrance service. Members of the diplomatic community, including representatives from other Commonwealth High Commissions, other EU member states and representatives from allies from both world wars, were also in attendance.

Members of the diplomatic community were also represented in Karachi.

During both services, a two minute silence was observed and wreaths were laid.

Thomas Drew CMG, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, said:

“Thank you all for coming to this service of remembrance – on the 99th anniversary of the end of World War One. We represent a diversity of nations and faiths.  But we are united, as friends, in our desire to remember those who have laid down their lives in conflicts over the years.

“We remember too the many soldiers from this part of the world who fought in the two World Wars, as well as the many sacrifices of recent years. This is indeed also a part of the world, where current day conflicts are very real.  As we remember the fallen, I hope that we can also think of those who continue to serve – to protect us, our values and future generations.”