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Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Australia celebrates its people-to-people connections with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The Australian High Commission celebrated Australia Day in Spring 2025 with a vibrant reception in Islamabad, shining a spotlight on the dynamic people-to-people connections that continue to shape the Australia–Pakistan relationship. This year's theme was brought to life through immersive experiences and a fusion of cultures: kangaroos in truck art, the sounds of native Australian birds echoing through the gardens, and digital displays showcasing the natural beauty of Australia's six states and two territories. 'This relationship is powered by people,' High Commissioner Neil Hawkins said in his address. '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.' '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 said. The High Commissioner highlighted the enduring cooperation of more than 40 years of working together to build resilience in the agriculture and water sectors, and our long-standing defence ties. Australia's support continues to strengthen climate resilience, education, and gender equality through grassroots partnerships that uplift Pakistani communities. 'This friendship is not just official—it's about connections between ordinary people. And it's growing stronger every day,' Hawkins concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Australian high commissioner condemns Jaffar Express attack
Listen to article Australia's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan, which resulted in the deaths of several passengers and security personnel. In a statement posted on X, Hawkins expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. "We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan and the taking of passengers hostage. Our thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Australia stands with Pakistan during this difficult time," he said. The Australian Government condemns the attack and hijacking of the #JaffarExpress Train in Balochistan province in Pakistan. We offer our deepest sympathies to all those affected. Australia stands with Pakistan at this difficult time. #Bolan — Neil Hawkins (@AusHCPak) March 13, 2025 The attack took place on March 11, 2025, when terrorists targeted the train in Balochistan, causing an explosion on the railway tracks and halting the Jaffar Express. The train, which was carrying 440 passengers, was forced to a stop. The terrorists used hostages, including women and children, as human shields during the attack, according to security forces. Security forces carried out a clearance operation, and all 33 terrorists involved in the attack were neutralised. Unfortunately, the attack claimed the lives of 21 passengers and 4 security personnel. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including international governments and human rights organisations, as Pakistan continues to face security challenges in its fight against terrorism. Hawkins reiterated Australia's solidarity with Pakistan and expressed hope for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack. Moreover, United Nations led the international condemnations of the terrorist attack on a train in Balochistan, as the world capitals expressed solidarity with Islamabad in the wake of the gruesome assault on the innocent civilians. Terrorists belonging to the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, with 450 passengers on board, while it was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, in the Bolan district on Tuesday. The security forces immediately launched the rescue operation, which continued till Wednesday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the hijacking of the Jaffar Express and has demanded immediate release of the hostages, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The secretary-general made it clear that "attacks on civilians are unacceptable and the international community should take steps to prevent such incidents" he added. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a post on the microblogging website of X, condemned the "terrorist attack in Balochistan". He said: "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have lost their lives." A similar message was also tweeted by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. Our deepest condolences go the people of and families of victims. As the situation is still unfolding, we express our profound concern for the hostages and call for their immediate release," she wrote on X. China also condemned the terrorist attack and vowed to continue Beijing's firm support to Islamabad in combating terrorism and in maintaining solidarity and social stability.
