By Ansar M. Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday received Ambassador Neil Hawkins, the outgoing High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, who paid a farewell call at the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Ambassador Hawkins on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan and appreciated his valuable efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia. He commended the High Commissioner’s proactive role in promoting cooperation across diverse sectors and enhancing people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Australia, particularly in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and the export of high-quality meat. He emphasized the importance of Australian expertise in modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector and improving productivity and quality standards to meet global demands.
Discussing Pakistan’s economic trajectory, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made during the last eighteen months, citing significant structural reforms aimed at ensuring long-term stability. “Deep-rooted economic reforms have been initiated to restore investor confidence and drive sustainable growth,” he said, adding that these reforms would continue to be consolidated in the coming months.
Highlighting Pakistan’s cordial and friendly relations with Australia, Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated Canberra’s constructive role in promoting global peace and stability, particularly in the Middle East. He expressed hope that the strong foundation laid during Ambassador Hawkins’ tenure would continue to strengthen under his successor.
Ambassador Hawkins, in his remarks, thanked the Prime Minister and the government of Pakistan for their support and hospitality throughout his assignment. He conveyed his deep appreciation for the warmth of the Pakistani people and commended Pakistan’s rising diplomatic profile and active engagement in promoting peace across South Asia and the Middle East.
The outgoing envoy also lauded the Prime Minister’s leadership in steering Pakistan toward economic recovery, noting that the country’s focus on reform and regional cooperation was earning international recognition.
Ambassador Hawkins concluded by reaffirming that Australia would continue to support Pakistan’s efforts in economic development, education, and climate resilience — key areas of shared interest between the two friendly nations.
