Australia, Pakistan deepen ties as trade crosses $2.6bn amid widening cooperation push

• Australian envoy says exports, including dairy cattle, support Pakistan’s food security needs

• Says over 21,000 Pakistani students currently enrolled in Australian institutions, highlighting 145,000 Australians of Pakistani origin strengthening people-to-people link

• Event marks Australia Day celebrations with focus on trade, education and shared Indo-Pacific interests

 ISLAMABAD: Australia and Pakistan are strengthening cooperation across trade, education and key development sectors, with bilateral trade surpassing US$2.6 billion and Australian exports—including dairy cattle—playing a growing role in supporting Pakistan’s food security and dairy industry, Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said on Tuesday.

The High Commissioner was speaking at an event marking Australia Day in Spring 2026 celebrations held in Islamabad, which brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, media representatives, alumni and members of the Pakistani-Australian community.

The ceremony highlighted expanding bilateral ties, with more than 21,000 Pakistani students currently enrolled in Australian institutions and growing collaboration across multiple sectors.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Timothy Kane said Australia-Pakistan relations are anchored in long-standing people-to-people connections and shared priorities for future growth and stability.

He recalled historical links between the two nations, including the role of cameleers from present-day Pakistan who helped explore Australia’s outback, and noted that more than 145,000 Australians of Pakistani origin now live in Australia, further deepening the relationship.

Kane said both countries are working closely in areas such as food security, water management, climate resilience and education, adding that as Indo-Pacific partners, they continue to expand cooperation through practical initiatives and mutual trust.

Highlighting over four decades of agricultural collaboration, he said joint research programmes have focused on water efficiency, salinity control, hybrid wheat development, citrus and mango production, and climate-resilient farming techniques.

He added that commercial ties are also expanding steadily, noting that Australian exports such as chickpeas, oilseeds and dairy cattle are supporting Pakistan’s food security needs and strengthening its dairy sector, while overall bilateral trade has now crossed US$2.6 billion.

On education, the High Commissioner said Australian universities continue to play a significant role in shaping professionals who are contributing across Pakistan’s key sectors, including business, healthcare, science, government and higher education.

He also highlighted sports cooperation, noting that cricket remains a strong people-to-people bridge ahead of the Australian men’s cricket team’s upcoming ODI tour of Pakistan.

Kane said Australia is also supporting initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion in sports, particularly programmes enabling greater participation for girls and visually impaired athletes.

The event featured cultural displays inspired by Australian landscapes, along with digital presentations, exhibitions and food arrangements reflecting the growing cultural and social links between the two countries.