Pakistan’s Senate Chairman, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has called for a significant expansion of economic engagement with Australia, declaring that the current bilateral trade volume fails to reflect the true potential between the two nations during a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane.
In the discussion at Parliament House on Monday, Chairman Gilani stressed the need for intensified efforts to enhance commercial ties, urging a move beyond the existing levels of trade and investment.
He acknowledged the substantial goodwill Australia enjoys in Pakistan, pointing to the vibrant Pakistani diaspora as a crucial bridge connecting the two countries. The Chairman also appreciated Australia’s longstanding assistance in the education sector, noting that nearly 20,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in Australian universities and will eventually contribute to their home country’s development.
The conversation also touched upon shared cultural interests, with Gilani highlighting the mutual passion for cricket as one of the many bonds linking the two Commonwealth nations. He expressed confidence that the High Commissioner’s tenure would further boost cooperation across diverse fields.
In the agricultural domain, Gilani praised Australia’s support through 13 ongoing projects and research partnerships. He voiced his hope that these initiatives would facilitate technology transfer, improve market access, and deliver tangible benefits to Pakistan’s farming community. The Chairman welcomed Australia’s backing for a proposed biosecurity and capacity-building visit scheduled for early 2026.
Underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Senate Chairman advocated for stronger inter-parliamentary linkages. He called for more frequent exchanges of visits and increased interaction through Parliamentary Friendship Groups to advance bilateral understanding.
Recalling his own productive visits to Australia as both Speaker of the National Assembly and Prime Minister, Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Canberra. He also extended his best wishes to the Australian Prime Minister on his recent wedding.
High Commissioner Timothy Kane thanked the Chairman for his candid views, affirming that the two countries enjoy a deep and longstanding partnership. He offered heartfelt condolences for the losses suffered in South Punjab due to recent floods and observed that climate change continues to have serious impacts on Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Advisor to Chairman Senate and Ambassador to the Inter-Parliamentary Speaker Conference, Misbah Khar, and Senior Director General Protocol, Tariq Bin Waheed.