ISLAMABAD: The British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott on Friday termed the current fiscal year crucial for success of Pakistan`s economic agenda, but expressed confidence in the country`s ability to achieve the goal.

`Pakistan, like any country, is not without its challenges. This year is a critical year for making the economic reforms necessary to ensure Pakistan`s longterm success: an inclusive approach with buy-in from all the key players is essential,` she said in a statement issued to mark her completion of one year in Pakistan.

She said Pakistan faces a daunting task in adapting lives and livelihoods across the country to the impacts of climate change. She also referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif`s initiative of declaring an `Education Emergency`, aiming to get Pakistan`s large cohort of outof-school children back on track with their education.

`But having met Pakistanis from across the country, I know your strength, innovative nature and resilience putsyou in an excellent position to tackle these issues head on, with the UK as a close friend and partner,` she remarked.

Ms Marriott described how wonderful his stay in Pakistan has been. `And what a year it`s been! It`s a country that I`d always wanted to live in, with a wonderful reputation in the UK thanks to its warm hospitality, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. It has not disappointed.

She said she feels lucky to be able to hike in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. She specifically mentioned how much she enjoyed by regularly taking advantage of the Margalla Hills on her doorstep, and some special weekends to Nathiagali.

`While it wasn`t the year for either of our cricket teams, it didn`t take away from the electric atmosphere when I visited Rawalpindi Stadium for the PSL and the Oval in London to see the Pakistan-UK T20. Although if you saw me attempting to bat some balls with the Women`s team and Marina Iqbal, safe to say I won`t be getting called up any time soon!`, she said.

She said that earlier this year `her 82-year-old Mum and big sister visited Pakistan and they too fell in love with the country. And many of my colleagues who have had family visit have spoken of the warm welcome they`ve had as they`ve travelled around.

`I could not talk about Pakistan without talking about the food! There`s something quite special about walking into the office, and the smell of the world`s best mangoes filling the room. From Peshawar`s Chapli Kabaab, to Multan`s Halva and Karachi`s Biryani, I have eaten well.` The high commissioner also posted a reel on her X account featuring her key engagements in Pakistan overthe last oneyear.