Pakistan was under British colonial rule until 1947 and remained as one of the 53 former British colonies comprising the Commonweath of Nations. Pakistan quit the Commonwealth in 1972, rejoined the Commonwealth in 1989, and continue to recognize their historical tie to England. So it is appropriate for Kate, as a representative of The Crown, to don Pakistani dress during an official visit as a nod to Pakistan’s former colony status and to the close-knit friendship between the two.
Thank you for the history lesson. I was also made aware that Princess Diana's greatest love following divorce was a cardiac surgeon of Pakistani descent. Hasnat Khan. And the current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan had a hand in introducing them!