ABSTRACT
The chapter examines the working of the British Diplomatic Mission during the 17 years from 1972 to 1989 when Pakistan was outside of the Commonwealth. This period coincided with a decline in British influence and involvement as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto nationalised British assets, remained unforgiving for London’s position in the Bangladesh crisis and developed closer diplomatic ties with the Islamic world. The British Embassy was downgraded in an era of financial stringency at home and diminished commercial and strategic interests in Pakistan. The closure of the Lahore Consulate-General, rather than the change to the diplomatic mission’s name, was the most significant sign of the times. The Embassy reported on Bhutto’s growing authoritarianism and his attempts to develop a nuclear weapons capacity. The 1977 military coup by Zia ul Haq initially worsened ties with London. The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan two years later transformed relations. Pakistan emerged as an important base and supply line for the Afghan mujahidin. The qualms about providing respectability to a military regime were set aside in a series of Prime Ministerial and Royal visits. India’s objections meant that Pakistan remained outside the Commonwealth until Zia’s death and the restoration of a democratic government led by Benazir Bhutto.
