OUR JOURNEY

The Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC) has a broad mandate to foster and develop bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. As an intermediary, PBBC facilitates connections among businesses, entrepreneurs, professional advisers, and government agencies in Britain, Pakistan, and other jurisdictions to promote mutual trade opportunities.

PBBC is committed to hosting trade events and networking opportunities across the UK and Pakistan. It also aims to organise regular trade missions to Pakistan with a specific industry focus, highlighting Pakistan as a secure and attractive destination for business.
The PBBC is primarily funded through annual member subscriptions, as well as grants from partners and stakeholders.

Founded in 2002 through the initiative of the heads of the UK and Pakistan governments, PBBC has enjoyed steadfast support from both governments in delivering its objectives. The Council’s mission is to foster long-term growth in UK-Pakistan commercial relationships, enhance bilateral trade, and promote Pakistan as a safe and promising business destination.

PBBC’s leadership history includes notable figures such as the late Sir Thomas Harris, who served as its first Chairman for over four years. He was succeeded by Baroness Nosheena Mobarik in 2012, following her nomination by Lord Green. In September 2016, Julian Hamilton Barns (Honorary Consul General for Pakistan) was elected as Chairman, along with a new Executive team.

Since October 2024, John Tucknott CMG, MBE has been serving as the current Chairman of the PBBC.

John Tucknott CMG, MBE brings over 40 years of experience with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including extensive work in Pakistan. He served as British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Director of Trade and Investment, and UK Trade Champion from 2013 to 2016. His diplomatic career includes roles as British Ambassador to Nepal and senior positions in Lebanon, Sweden, the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York, and Iraq, where he was Deputy Ambassador from 2017 to 2020.

After retiring from HM Diplomatic Service in 2021, John became Chair of the Founding Board of The British University of Iraq. He also collaborates with UK Education in Iraq to expand access to UK educational qualifications, including English language training, ICT skills, and higher education opportunities.

As PBBC Chairman, John is dedicated to strengthening the UK-Pakistan relationship, which is built on political engagement, strong trade and investment ties, deep cultural and people-to-people connections, and mutual respect. His vision is to lead the PBBC in collaborating with its members and stakeholders to enhance economic activity across both traditional and emerging sectors, contributing to the growth of the UK and Pakistani economies.