Tazeen Akhtar
Australia and Pakistan enjoy close and cordial relations as well as bilateral cooperation in all sectors including a common history. This last element is unique in a sense that both countries are far away from each other and an ocean (Indian) is in between them but neither the distance nor the ocean could succeed in keeping the people of two countries away.
High Commissioner Neil Hawkins has shared this history of 160 years in the celebration of Australia Day in Spring on 02 May 2024. He said the two regions were connected by the camel riders of Balochistan who would travel to Australia in early years. Interestingly the chief guest at the reception was Federal Minister Commerce Jam Kamal Khan who hails from Balochistan. Jam Kamal is from Nawab (Ruler) family of Qallaat state of Balochistan. This was the largest state in the largest province of Pakistan at the time of independence.
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Hawkins, High Commissioner in Pakistan hosted the grand and vibrant reception to mark the enduring ties between Australia and Pakistan at the spacious and beautiful lawn of the residence at Diplomatic Enclave Islamabad. The weather was very pleasant and the event went wonderful with respect to the participation of the guests from all walks of life and everyone enjoyed a lot.
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High Commissioner appreciated the two Pakistanis courage who confronted a knife attacker in a Sydney Mall last month. One Faraz Tahir succumbed to the injuries he received from the attacker during fighting him to save the lives of the people around. Second Muhammad Taha is also injured but his life has been save in the hospital. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is thankful to these Pakistani security guards. He has promised citizenship for Taha.
High Commissioner Hawkins,in his address, emphasised the historical ties of over 160 years and the shared ambition to capitalise on the dynamism in the two countries. He said, “Australia remains a steadfast supporter of a Pakistan that is democratic, inclusive, prosperous and stable, consistent with its Constitution.”
“Australia and Pakistan are both relatively young nations but old civilisations. We share a federal system of governance, together with a rich cultural diversity, delicate ecosystems, and unique biodiversity,” Mr. Hawkins remarked.
Highlighting the importance of gender equality, the High Commissioner affirmed: “We’re particularly excited to be working with our Pakistani colleagues to support their efforts to empower women and girls and unleash their full potential.”
H.E Hawkins recalled support a cricket coaching clinic and tournament for visually impaired women and girls in collaboration with Serena Hotels Islamabad and Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) in March this year.
Mr. Hawkins elaborated: “This year we celebrate 40 years of cooperation between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and Pakistan. Drawing on Australia’s own experiences, we have been helping develop the agricultural sector and implement sustainable water management practices, crucial for both nations given the impacts of climate change. We also celebrate 40 years of cooperation between our police agencies.”
Looking ahead Mr Hawkins concluded, “I’m confident that more than 100,000 Australian-Pakistanis and many thousands of Pakistani Australian alumni will bring our countries closer together. Not to mention the growing Australian involvement in the development of Pakistan’s mining sector and in building Pakistan’s emerging dairy industry.”
Minister Jam Kamal Khan congratulated the government and people of Australia on their National Day and expressed gratitude from Pakistan for support of Australia in different sectors including agriculture, climate change.
He said, ” Australia,Pakistan trade has exceeded USD 1 Billion with balance in favor of Australia. Both countries are working to increase the present volume of economic cooperation. We share a rich history of friendship and cooperation. We’re committed to further strengthening our bilateral ties, particularly in trade and education.”
Minister Kamal highlighted the deep-rooted friendly relations between the two nations, spanning political, economic, and defense sectors.He emphasized the significance of sports, particularly cricket, squash, and hockey, in fostering mutual recognition between Australia and Pakistan, noting Mr. Neil Hawkins’ enthusiasm for hockey.
Turning to bilateral ties, Minister Kamal underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Australia, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation. He praised Australia’s role as a development partner, especially in sectors such as agriculture and education.
Addressing trade relations, Minister Kamal acknowledged the existing trade surplus enjoyed by Australia and emphasized the untapped potential for further collaboration. He outlined Pakistan’s major exports to Australia, including textiles, rice, surgical equipment, and steel products, while also noting recent increases in imports of Canola and other commodities from Australia.
Proposing new steps to enhance cooperation, Minister Kamal called for intensified efforts to deepen agro-trade and urged the reduction of trade barriers. He highlighted the need for a level playing field in textiles and encouraged exploration of new avenues such as agro-tech industries and fruit exports.
Expressing gratitude for the Pakistani diaspora in Australia, Minister Kamal praised their contributions across various fields and commended the Australian Government’s recognition of their efforts.He also thanked Australia for offering scholarships to Pakistani students under various education schemes.
In conclusion, Minister Kamal extended his congratulations to Mr. Neil Hawkins and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Minister visited the photo exhibition along with the High Commissioner. Historical relations , from past to the present were displayed in the photographs showcased in the exhibition.The event served as a testament to the strong ties and shared aspirations between Australia and Pakistan, marking another milestone in their bilateral relations.
The celebration witnessed the participation of many friends of Australia, including politicians, officials, diplomats, media, businesses, development partners and colleagues. It was a very well organized event in which smoking was not allowed. Mostly the guests keep talking to each other during the address of the host from the stage but here every one was looking towards the podium and listening the speeches silently.
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