The Australian High Commission marked Australia Day in Spring 2025 with a colourful and culturally rich reception in Islamabad on Wednesday, celebrating the deepening peopletopeople ties between Australia and Pakistan.

Held under the theme of cultural fusion and shared experiences, the event featured innovative displays including kangaroos depicted in Pakistani truck art, the ambient sounds of native Australian birds echoing through the gardens, and digital showcases highlighting the scenic diversity of Australia’s six states and two territories.

According to a press release of Australia High Commission, speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins underscored the human connections driving the bilateral relationship. ‘This relationship is powered by people,’ Hawkins said.

‘From the Baloch cameleers who helped build Australia’s outback, to the more than 100,000 Pakistanis who now call Australia home, and the 20,000 students currently studying in Australia-our ties are living, growing, and deeply rooted,’ he added.

The High Commissioner highlighted areas of cooperation spanning over four decades, particularly in agriculture, water management, and defence. He also pointed to shared efforts in tackling salinity, promoting education and gender equality, and enhancing climate resilience through grassroots partnerships.

‘Ours is a relationship built on cooperation and shared experience-scientists tackling salinity together, girls playing cricket, alumni shaping Pakistan’s future. It’s about connection, hope, and a shared future,’ Hawkins added.

He concluded by emphasising that the friendship between the two nations extends beyond official channels and is nurtured by everyday people on both sides.

‘This friendship is not just official-it’s about connections between ordinary people. And it’s growing stronger every day.’ The event drew guests from diplomatic, government, media, and civil society circles, reflecting the broad base of Australia-Pakistan ties.