UK - Pakistan Development Portfolio - Strategic Approach

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will host a portfolio level Supplier Engagement Event in Islamabad, on 22 April 2026. The day will include senior speakers from the British High Commission and FCDO Commercial, alongside workshops and portfolio presentations relating to the BHC Pakistan pipeline and networking opportunities.

This event aims to inform suppliers about the strategic direction of upcoming development sector work in Pakistan and strengthen market understanding of FCDO’s evolving commercial approach.

Ministerial-level UK-Pakistan Development Talks were held in December 2025 (see press release) - aiming to advance a partnership of mutual interest, aligning UK support with Pakistan’s development priorities.

Globally, the UK is modernising its approach to international development, by focusing on four strategic shifts:

1. From Donor to Investor: partnering with countries to unlock growth, jobs and trade through innovative finance and private sector investment.
2. From Service Delivery to System Support: helping countries build their own education, health and economic systems – so they can thrive without aid.
3. From Grants to Expertise: moving from delivering programmes to leveraging global expertise to work alongside partners to solve challenges.
4. From International Intervention to Local Leadership: working increasingly alongside local partners including civil society, rather than large international interventions.

What are the expected results and Impact?

Within each of these areas, we have prioritised the key shifts (or “big changes”) we think Pakistan needs to make to improve human development outcomes, where there is traction and alignment with UK interests and expertise.

Export-led Growth

• Pakistan’s federal government, and most populous provinces (KP, Punjab and Sindh) tackle policy barriers to economic growth, particularly fiscal foundations, business environment reforms.
• Medium and large export-oriented firms in high-potential sectors - IT and IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and food & drink - realise export potential, including to the UK where possible.

Security & Migration

• Reduction in irregular migration and serious organised crime from Pakistan to the UK.

Climate, Nature & Humanitarian

• More Public and Private Climate Finance mobilised through our programming and policy influencing
• Systemic shift by Pakistan and the UK to preparedness, anticipatory and adaptive disaster management
• Practical implementation of Climate Adaptation and nature protection into the federal, provincial and district policies and practices

Human Capital Systems Strengthening

• Stronger health care systems to improve quality and access to essential health care. Improved health financing.
• Sustainable population growth through family planning.
• Inclusive and early foundational learning. Teacher professionalisation - early childhood education, primary and secondary. Education financing is more accountable.