ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (WNP): The Australian High Commission in Islamabad marked Australia Day on Wednesday with a colourful and culturally rich reception, celebrating the vibrant and evolving relationship between Australia and Pakistan — one deeply rooted in people-to-people connections.

While Australia Day is traditionally observed on January 26, this year’s celebration was postponed to May 21 due to extreme cold weather in January. The event, held in the lush gardens of the High Commission, creatively fused Australian and Pakistani cultures — from kangaroos painted in Pakistani truck art style to immersive sounds of native Australian birds and digital displays showcasing the stunning diversity of Australia’s six states and two territories.

Addressing the gathering, Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins said the essence of the Australia–Pakistan relationship lies in its human connections.

“This relationship is powered by people,” he remarked. “From the Baloch cameleers who helped shape 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 highlighted a long history of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of agriculture, water management, education, and defence, pointing to over four decades of collaboration in building resilience and development capacity in Pakistan.

“Ours is a relationship built on cooperation and shared experience — scientists working side by side to tackle salinity, girls playing cricket across continents, and alumni driving Pakistan’s future forward,” he said. “It’s a relationship of hope, connection, and a shared future.”

The High Commissioner also underscored Australia’s continued support for climate resilience, gender equality, and education in Pakistan, noting that partnerships at the grassroots level are making a tangible difference in communities across the country.

“This friendship isn’t just official—it’s about real people, everyday connections, and mutual respect,” Hawkins added. “And it grows stronger every day.”

The reception brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural figures, and alumni of Australian institutions — reflecting the broad base of the bilateral relationship and the shared commitment to a more connected and prosperous future.