Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the birthday event as the chief guest, which attracted more than 600 guests, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, business leaders, fashion designers and representatives of the creative sector.
The event highlighted the role of creative industries in strengthening business cooperation, promoting economic growth and creating new employment opportunities between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
During the celebration, outfits designed by British fashion brands, Pakistani retailers operating in the UK and British designers of Pakistani origin were showcased.
The event also featured musical performances in which bands presented popular British songs with a Pakistani twist.
Guests were also served a special menu combining British and Pakistani cuisine, prepared jointly by British chef Tony Tobin and the chef at the British High Commissioner's residence.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said the United Kingdom and Pakistan were working together to turn innovative ideas and promising projects into practical opportunities.
She highlighted the potential of British creativity and Pakistani entrepreneurial expertise to generate employment and support economic development in both countries.
Marriott added that the next phase of the partnership between the two countries would focus on creating opportunities, encouraging innovation and advancing shared prosperity.
Prime Minister Sharif also expressed his best wishes for lasting friendship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, saying he hoped relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen with each passing generation.
The celebration also highlighted the strong historical, cultural and trade relations between the two countries. Approximately 1.7 million people of Pakistani origin live in the United Kingdom, while clothing and textiles account for more than 75 per cent of Pakistan's exports to the UK, according to figures shared at the event.
The UK's creative industries contributed £146 billion (approximately $200 billion) to the country's economy in 2024 and employed around 2.4 million people.
The reception underscored the growing importance of cultural exchange, fashion, design and creative collaboration in strengthening Pakistan-UK relations and opening new avenues for bilateral trade and investment.