On 22 September 2025 Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani met the Australian High Commissioner at Parliament House in Islamabad to discuss ways to deepen Pakistan Australia ties across multiple sectors. The discussion highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship dating back to 1948 and emphasized shared democratic values and the two-chamber parliamentary tradition that link the peoples of both countries.
Mr Gilani underlined the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through more active friendship groups and faster exchanges of delegations, saying that such engagement would give practical momentum to Pakistan Australia ties. He praised the outgoing High Commissioner for his services and stressed the need to make parliamentary friendship platforms more effective.
The meeting covered trade and economic collaboration with both sides noting a bilateral trade volume of around $2.5 billion and significant scope for growth. The Senate Chairman pointed to export potential in textiles, surgical instruments, IT services and food products, and proposed creation of a joint forum for chambers of commerce and the private sector to unlock new opportunities.
Areas for enhanced cooperation identified during the talks included agricultural technology, renewable energy, mineral development and information technology. Defence cooperation and security topics such as cyber security, maritime awareness and collaboration in peacekeeping were also discussed as priorities for deepening ties.
Mr Gilani acknowledged Australia’s development assistance and welcomed humanitarian sympathy expressed by the Australian High Commissioner for recent flood losses. He briefed the envoy on Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities and the provincial impacts of heavy rains and floods, urging international cooperation and a joint approach to climate resilience as an essential element of Pakistan Australia ties.
The Chairman also informed the High Commissioner about the upcoming ISC conference in November and extended a formal invitation to the Australian parliamentary leadership and delegation, underlining the significance of their participation. Both sides agreed to pursue closer cooperation to consolidate bilateral relations and support regional and global peace.
