PM welcomes Australia mining interest

Reaffirms solidarity over Bondi Beach terrorist attack

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, welcoming the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Australia relations, underscored the need for expanding bilateral trade and investment, with the agriculture and livestock sectors being promising areas for enhanced cooperation.

The prime minister, in a meeting with newly appointed Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad Tim Kane, who paid a courtesy call on him, also welcomed Australian interest in the mining and minerals sector, citing Reko Diq as a shining example of Pakistan's enormous potential in the sector.

The prime minister felicitated the high commissioner on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would help further strengthen the long-standing and friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia. He conveyed deepest condolences over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on December 14, and said that Pakistan unequivocally condemned that cowardly act of terrorism.

While reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity with Australia in its hour of grief, he emphasized that terrorism had no religion and that must be condemned in all forms and manifestations, and collective action must be taken to eradicate the menace. He also lauded the valuable contribution of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Australia, which served as a vital bridge between the two nations.

He noted that both Pakistan and Australia, enjoyed strong people-to-people linkages, and cultural ties, underpinned by their shared passion for cricket.

The prime minister conveyed his warm regards and greetings to the Australian leadership and said that he looked forward to working with them to build stronger ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Tim Kane thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and expressed Australia's keen desire to work towards further enhancing Pakistan–Australia relations across all areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.

Pak-Tajik cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was committed to multifaceted cooperation with Tajikistan, including in trade, connectivity, energy, and culture, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Tajikistan's Minister of Culture Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda, expressed satisfaction over the ongoing positive trajectory of bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen collaboration in the field of culture.

The Tajik Minister of Culture conveyed the warm greetings of President Emomali Rahmon and appreciated Pakistan's hospitality and commitment to cultural diplomacy.

She expressed Tajikistan's keen interest in expanding joint cultural programs, including artist exchanges, festivals, and exhibitions.

Autism Centre

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in the federal capital be completed within one year instead of two amid reaffirming the government's resolve to provide world-class education, therapy and vocational facilities to children with special needs.

Addressing the foundation-laying ceremony, the prime minister said special children are the children of the nation and that it is the state's collective responsibility to equip them with skills, modern technology and training so they can stand on their own feet and become active members of society.

PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that where a child may lack one faculty, "Allah Almighty has blessed them with many others," urging institutions to nurture these abilities through quality education and care.

The prime minister announced the provision of 15 coasters to ensure smooth transportation for special children to and from the centre, and called upon philanthropists and public institutions, including Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, to contribute generously to the initiative.