Macquarie University Students Engage in an interactive session with the Pakistani High Commissioner
The High Commission for Pakistan in Canberra hosted a group of students and faculty members from the Macquarie University, Sydney. The group comprised graduate, postgraduate, and PhD students from the faculties of law, arts and social sciences, information technologies, international relations, media, and creative arts. During their visit, the students engaged in an interactive session with High Commissioner H.E. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri.
The High Commissioner offered a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s diverse socio-economic and political landscape, its strategic significance, foreign policy objectives, and multifaceted diplomatic relations. Highlighting the nation’s rich demographics and promising economic trajectory, the High Commissioner described Pakistan’s pivotal role in the regional and global affairs.
The brief overview was followed up by an engaging question-and-answer session. The students eagerly sought insights on various aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy, socio-economic development, political landscape, its bilateral relations with Australia.
Highlighting its foreign policy objectives, the High Commissioner shared Pakistan’s desire for peace and security in the region and beyond. He also underscored the importance of just resolution of outstanding disputes for durable peace. Answering a question about the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the High Commissioner, highlighted the legal, human rights, and peace and security dimensions of the dispute. He underscored the centrality of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions guaranteeing the Kashmiri people their legitimate right to self-determination.
Discussing its economic potential, the High Commissioner highlighted Pakistan’s rich natural resources and human resources. He particularly mentioned Pakistan’s untapped mineral resources, demographic dividend, startup ecosystem, and immense potential of its Information Technology sector.
Addressing the question regarding Pakistan-Australia diplomatic ties, the High Commissioner highlighted the multifaceted nature of bilateral ties, emphasizing collaboration and mutual benefit. He underscored the complementarity of the two economies, emphasizing on the opportunities arising out of the synergetic nature of the two economies.
The visit provided an opportunity for the students to explore Pakistan’s diverse socio-economic and political landscape, its strategic significance, foreign policy objectives, and multifaceted diplomatic relations. Expressing his appreciation to the faculty for organizing the visit, High Commissioner remarked, “It is heartening to witness such enthusiastic engagement from the students of Macquarie University. These interactions not only deepen mutual understanding but also pave the way for enhanced collaboration.”
The visit was a part of the High Commission’s regular engagement with the Australian educational institutions, think tanks, and media.
Voice of Australians-VOA
Canberra
22 April 2024
