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Event Title: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing as Chief Guest at National Day Reception of "Australia Day in Spring" in Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-05-19
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Attends Australia Day in Spring Reception as Chief Guest at Australian High Commission Residence
Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that today gathering symbolized not only a celebration of friendship but also the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Australia founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and people-to-people connections. He expressed these views while attending the Australia Day in Spring reception as the Chief Guest at the official residence of Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane in the Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad.
The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders, members of civil society, and distinguished guests from various walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani extended warm felicitations on behalf of the Senate, Government, and people of Pakistan to the Government and people of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day in Spring.
Chairman Senate highlighted the historic roots of Pakistan-Australia relations, recalling that officers from the Australian Defence Forces had received training at the Command and Staff College Quetta as early as 1907. He noted that among them was Field Marshal Thomas Blamey, who later became Australia’s first and only Field Marshal, reflecting the long-standing trust and cooperation between the two countries.
He remarked that Pakistan and Australia enjoy warm and steady bilateral relations anchored in parliamentary democracy, shared traditions, and commitment to peace and a rules-based international order. He also recalled his meetings with former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Perth in 2011, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II. He stated that those engagements paved the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, counterterrorism, and economic development.
Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Senate said that the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group has emerged as an effective platform for dialogue and cooperation in diverse sectors including governance, climate change, and agriculture. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary collaboration for peace, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
Speaking about cultural and sporting ties, Chairman Senate noted that cricket continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the peoples of both countries. He welcomed the forthcoming tour of the Australian cricket team to Pakistan, stating that such exchanges strengthen goodwill and mutual understanding.
Chairman Senate also underlined the growing people-to-people and economic relations between the two countries. He observed that nearly 20,000 Pakistani students are pursuing education in Australia, while the Pakistani diaspora continues to contribute positively to Australian society. He further noted that more than 80 Australian companies are currently operating in Pakistan, adding that both countries possess vast potential for cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, information technology, and trade.
Referring to climate change as a shared global challenge, Chairman Senate appreciated Australia’s support to Pakistan in areas of disaster resilience, water management, and agricultural cooperation, particularly in the wake of devastating floods.
Concluding his address, Chairman Senate expressed confidence that Pakistan-Australia friendship would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead. He called for closer parliamentary, economic, and cultural engagement between the two nations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
“Long live Pakistan-Australia friendship,” he remarked.