Pakistan and Australia on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties through the greater parliamentary collaboration, trade and education partnerships, and joint efforts on climate change and sustainability.
These developments came during a meeting of the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group held here at Parliament House and chaired by Senator Khalida Ateeb. The Australian delegation included High Commissioner Neil Hawkins and Second Secretary Charlie Lyons-Jones.
The meeting was attended by several prominent Pakistani lawmakers, including Senators Masroor Ahsan, Rubina Qaim Khani, Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Ms Misbah Khar.
Senator Ateeb emphasized the importance of institutional linkages and mutual learning, especially in the fields of agriculture, recycling, waste management, and climate adaptation.
She lauded Australia’s models of environmental sustainability and called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges.
Ms Misbah Khar encouraged Australian mining companies to invest in Pakistan, citing the support mechanisms of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) that cater to foreign investors.
Senator Rubina Qaim Khani urged expansion of trade and waste management collaboration while raising concerns about delays in family reunion visa processing. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt highlighted the need to counter misinformation and promote Pakistan’s peaceful image through structured media and political exchanges.
Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan offered to connect Australian agricultural experts with institutions in southern Punjab.
Meanwhile, Senator Masroor Ahsan reiterated Pakistan’s positive global role and expressed interest in resolving migrant-related concerns jointly. High Commissioner Neil Hawkins acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship and outlined Australia’s ongoing efforts in supporting Pakistan’s agriculture, education, and skills development sectors.
He particularly stressed Australia’s dedication to climate resilience, gender equality, and inclusive development.
Hawkins noted that more than 11,000 visas were issued to Pakistani nationals in the past year, adding that his office is working to address documentation challenges and ensure fair access to consular services across Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with both sides committing to deeper parliamentary dialogue, people-to-people contacts, and shared development goals in the years ahead.