Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the Australia Day reception at the official residence of Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane in Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave, describing the gathering as a celebration of friendship and an affirmation of enduring Pakistan Australia partnership.
The reception drew diplomats, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders, civil society figures and other distinguished guests, providing a platform for renewed dialogue on bilateral cooperation. While extending warm felicitations on behalf of the Senate, government and people of Pakistan, the chairman emphasised shared democratic values and strong people-to-people links that underpin relations between the two countries.
Recalling historical ties, he noted that officers of the Australian Defence Forces trained at the Command and Staff College Quetta as early as 1907, among them Field Marshal Thomas Blamey, highlighting long-standing trust and military cooperation. He also referenced meetings with former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard at the 2011 CHOGM in Perth as milestones that helped expand collaboration in trade, agriculture, counterterrorism and economic development.
Emphasising the role of parliamentary diplomacy, the chairman pointed to the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group as an effective forum for exchange on governance, climate action and agricultural development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening inter-parliamentary engagement to support peace, conflict prevention and sustainable growth.
Sporting and cultural exchanges remain central to bilateral ties, he said, welcoming the upcoming tour of the Australian cricket team to Pakistan as a means to strengthen goodwill and public connection. He highlighted growing people-to-people and economic links, noting nearly 20,000 Pakistani students in Australia and the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora, alongside more than 80 Australian companies operating in Pakistan.
On climate resilience, the chairman acknowledged Australia’s assistance in disaster preparedness, water management and agricultural cooperation, particularly after Pakistan’s devastating floods, and called for expanded collaboration in renewable energy, mining, information technology and trade to realise mutual potential.
Concluding his remarks at the Australia Day event, he expressed confidence that Pakistan Australia friendship will continue to deepen and urged closer parliamentary, economic and cultural engagement for a peaceful, prosperous future. Long live Pakistan-Australia friendship, he said.
