Alison Blackburne
Biography
Alison Blackburne took up her post as Deputy High Commissioner at the British Deputy High Commission Karachi in July 2026. Immediately prior to this posting she was Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea 2024-26, based in London.
Alison has previously served as Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan 2020-22, Ambassador to South Sudan 2017-19, and High Commissioner to Uganda 2012-16. She joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1987 and has held a variety of posts in London and overseas: in Warsaw, Stockholm, New York (UK Mission to the United Nations), Harare, Brussels (UK Representation to the European Union), as well as short term assignments in Jakarta, Washington, Moscow and British Virgin Islands. She also spent two years on loan to the Ministry of Justice as Principal Private Secretary to the Justice Secretary.
Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa
Special representatives use their expertise to develop a greater coherent effort in making sure that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) works closely and effectively with foreign powers.
The role of the Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa is to lead the UK government’s response to international activity in the Red Sea region. The Special Envoy engages with those involved on both shores of the Red Sea and beyond.
British Deputy High Commissioner Karachi
In some countries, the Deputy High Commissioner leads a subordinate office to the High Commission in another major city. The Deputy High Commissioner fulfills a similar role to a Consul General, representing the UK government and typically responsible for consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region.
Previous roles in government
-
British Ambassador to South Sudan
-
British High Commissioner to Uganda